World renowned. Washington grown.
2004 Two Vines Merlot
Tasting Notes
“This fruit-forward wine is defined by aromas and flavors of raspberry and blackberry. Expressions of coffee and cocoa frame the mid-palate, and spice round out the soft velvety
finish.” -Ray Einberger, Winemaker
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 maturing.
- The 2004 harvest is characterized by smaller berry and cluster size, with intense flavors, good sugar development and high natural acidity.
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.
- 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, crushed and inoculated to begin fermentation.
- Fermentation lasted 7-10 days on the skins, with a twice-daily pumpover regime.
- The wine aged 12 months in French and American oak barrels.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.53 g/100ml
- pH: 3.66
- Alcohol: 13.50%