World renowned. Washington grown.
2003 Reserve Merlot
91 pts - Wine Spectator
Tasting Notes
“ This classic Washington State Merlot offers aromatics of spice, blackberry, and chocolate which lead into a balanced palate of velvety-textured fruit and tannins.” -Ray Einberger, Winemaker
Growing Season
- Vintage 2003 began with a typical bud break in early April.
- Bloom followed in early June. Warm, dry weather con- ditions 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 the ripening process.
- At harvest, vineyards across the Columbia Valley had excel- lent physiological maturity and flavor development across varietals.
Vineyards
- Fruit was handpicked from the top 10% of the vintage’s best vineyards for Columbia Crest’s Reserve Merlot.
- Vineyard sites are located on the Wahluke Slope, offering aromatics, texture and complexity; in the Cold Creek area, adding to flavor and fruitiness; and on the Horse Heaven Hills, contributing balance and body to the finished wine.
- The balance between the growing season’s warm daytime temperatures and cooler nights, particularly during the rip- ening period, concentrated aromatics and enhanced com- plexity.
- Low rainfall stressed the vines, and irrigation was applied judiciously to create concentrated varietal expression.
Vinification
- Grapes were crushed with 30% whole berries remaining.
- Cold soaking on the skins for two days extracted soft tannins and intense color.
- Fermentation, including twice-daily pump overs, lasted to 10 days, depending on the lot.
- Malolactic fermentation occurred in new French oak barrels.
- The wine aged in barrels for 28 months.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.57 g/100ml
- pH: 3.61
- Alcohol: 14.2%