World renowned. Washington grown.
2005 Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes
“Spice, blackberries and cassis aromas fill the nose followed by a medium-bodied, concentrated and satin textured mid-palate; the long finish offers silky tannins and dark chocolate notes."
-Ray Einberger, Winemaker
Click here to learn about other stunning and delicious wines from Columbia Crest Grand Estates
Growing Season
- August 15 marked the beginning of the earliest harvest on record.
- Warm summer months contributed to the uniformity of berry maturation.
- A temperature drop in late summer cooled the vineyards and allowed the grapes extra hang time to enhance flavor and aromatic development.
- Moderate weather conditions during harvest contributed to mature fruit with intense flavors, good sugar development, and high natural acidity across varietals.
Vineyards
- Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon was 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 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 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
- Grapes were crushed with 25% whole berries remaining.
- Fermentation lasted 7-14 days on skins to extract optimum fruit and textural components.
- Blending occurred immediately after fermentation.
- Malolactic fermentation occurred in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels.
- The wine barrel-aged in 1/3 new oak for 16 months.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.57 g/100ml
- pH: 3.70
- Alcohol: 13.5%