World renowned. Washington grown.
2003 Grand Estates Merlot
Best Buy -Wine Press Northwest
Tasting Notes
“This complex artisan wine is produced using various barrel types and varietals to offer classic Merlot spice, blackberry, and cocoa aromatics which persist on the palate. The balance of wood and black fruits creates a velvety, seductive finish.”-Ray Einberger, Winemaker
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Growing Season
- The growing season began with cool weather that modestly delayed bud break and fruit set.
- Vintage 2003 began with a typical bud break in early April.
- Bloom followed in early June. Warm, dry weather conditions in this phase (the start of fruit maturation) contributed to the uniformity of berry maturation at the end of the season.
- High heat accumulation during late summer created excellent ripening conditions.
- Very modest precipitation in August and September cooled the vineyards and slowed the ripening process.
- At harvest, vineyards across the Columbia Valley had excellent physiological maturity and flavor development across varietals.
Vineyards
- Grand Estates Merlot is harvested from vineyards located predominantly on the Horse Heaven Hills (texture and body) and the Wahluke Slope (aromatics and complexity.)
- Columbia Valley vineyards are seated east of the Cascade Mountain range. Up to 14,000 feet high, the mountains effectively block eastward-moving wet weather systems from the Pacific Ocean.
- Just 6 to 8 inches of rainfall reach the growing region annually. Vineyards are 100% drip irrigation.
- The soils have low fertility and low water-holding capacity, allowing precise control of vine growth patterns.
- Vines are planted north to south on south and southeast facing slopes.
Vinification
- The grapes were crushed with 20% whole berries remaining.
- Grapes fermented on skins for 6-7days days with stainless steel and open top, rotary, and standard fermenters used to extract softness, complexity, and color.
- Malolactic fermentation occurred in the barrel and tanks.
- Wine aged 14-16 months.
- The oak regime featured 25% new and 75% older French and American barrels.
- Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon contributed softness and further fruit dimension to the final blend.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.56 g/100ml
- pH: 3.61
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Blend: 98% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc