World renowned. Washington grown.
2006 Grand Estates Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
“Intense aromas of apple and pear lead into hints of melon and creamy butter on the palate in this refined Chardonnay. The lingering finish is a lush balance of sweet oak, caramelized sugar, and fruit.” -Ray Einberger, Winemaker
Growing Season
- The 2006 growing season was marked by extreme weather patterns. Spring was wet and cooler than normal, followed by a long, dry and hot summer.
- These factors contributed to excellent acid levels in the grapes, balanced canopies and small berries.
- The warmer parts of the Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope saw early ripening and bold flavors from the high temperatures.
- In cooler growing areas, later ripening prompted good acidity and flavor in white varietals.
Vineyards
- 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
- Whole berry Chardonnay was pressed, and the juice was held at 50 degrees in stainless steel tanks for two days.
- The settled juice was placed into a combination of new and one- to three-year-old American and French oak barrels.
- After initial fermentation, the wine was re-inoculated to begin malolactic fermentation.
- All barrels were hand stirred every week for nine months.
- Blending occurred after a total of nine months in the barrel.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.53 g/100ml
- pH: 3.57
- Alcohol: 13.8%