World renowned. Washington grown.
2003 Two Vines Merlot
Best Buy - Wine Spectator
Excellent Value - Northwest Palate
87 points and Best Buy - Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
“ This pleasing Merlot offers intense aromas of spice, blackberry, and raspberry with expressions of cocoa and soft velvet on the palate. A hint of chocolate completes the lingering finish.” -Ray Einberger, Winemaker
"Best Value" - Wine Enthusiast
Growing Season
- 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 the ripening process.
- At harvest, vineyards across the Columbia Valley had excellent physiological maturity and flavor development across varietals.
Vineyards
- 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
- Grapes were destemmed and crushed with 20% whole berries remaining, and inoculated to begin fermentation.
- Fermentation lasted 7-10 days on the skins, with a twice-daily pumpover regime.
- The wine aged 14 months in French and American oak barrels.
- Cabernet Franc (12%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) contributed balance and softness to the final blend.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.56 g/100ml
- pH: 3.68
- Alcohol: 13.50%