World renowned. Washington grown.
2004 Grand Estates Merlot
90 pts & Outstanding Value - Wine Spectator
Tasting Notes
“This complex artisan wine is produced using various barrel types and varietals to offer classic Merlot spice, ripe cherry fruit, and cocoa aromatics which persist on the palate. The balance of wood and black fruits creates a velvety, seductive finish.”
-Ray Einberger, Winemaker
"Excellent Value" - Northwest Palate
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Growing Season
- A hot, dry growing season created ideal flavor maturity and promoted an early harvest start.
- Cool temperatures and intermittent rain in mid-September prompted extended hang time, which allowed the grapes to reach ideal physiologic maturity.
- The 2004 harvest is characterized by smaller berry and cluster size, with intense flavors, good sugar development and high natural acidity.
Vineyards
- Grand Estates Merlot is harvested from vineyards located predominantly on the Horse Heaven Hills (which contributes texture and body) and the Wahluke Slope (for aromatics and complexity.)
- Columbia Valley vineyards are seated east of the Cascade Mountain range. Up to 14,000 fee 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 irrigated.
- 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 6-7 days with stainless steel and open top, rotary, and standard fermenters used to extract softness, complexity, and color.
- Malolactic fermentation occurred in the barrels and tanks.
- Wine aged 14-16 months.
- The oak regime featured 25% new French and American oak barrels.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.56 g/100ml
- pH: 3.61
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Blend: 96% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.5% Cabernet Franc