World renowned. Washington grown.

2003 Reserve Chardonnay

Tasting Notes
“ Spice, coconut, pear and apple are evident in the nose. These complement the intensely fruity, buttery flavors which are perfectly balanced and lush on the long, memorable finish.” -Ray Einberger, Winemaker

Growing Season

• The Vintage 2003 began with a typical bud break in early April.
• Bloom followed in early June. Warm, dry weather conditions during 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 down the ripening process.
• At harvest, vineyards across the Columbia Valley had excellent physiological maturity and flavor development across varietals.

Vineyards

• The Reserve Chardonnay is picked by hand from Columbia Crest’s own Estate vineyards located on the Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope.
• The vintage’s balance between warm daytime temperatures and cooler evening temperatures concentrated aromatics and enhanced complexity.
• The appellation’s low rainfall stressed the vines, yielding concentrated fruit with depth and varietal expression.

Vinification

• Hand-picked grapes were held separately for vinification.
• Grapes were pressed, and the juice cold settled for two days before racking into new Burgundian-style barrels.
• Barrel fermentation lasted for up to two weeks followed by malolactic fermentation.
• The wine aged on the lees for 16 months, and barrels were hand-stirred weekly during the first 14 months.

Technical Data

• Total acidity: 0.50 g/100ml
• pH: 3.58
• Alcohol: 14.1%
• Residual Sugar: 0.09 g/100ml
• Blend: 100% Chardonnay

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