2004 Cabernet-Merlot
| Release Date: |
12-1-2006 |
Alcohol: |
13.5% |
| Residual Sugar: |
0.00 |
Acidity: |
0.65, pH 3.55 |
|
Tasting Notes:
Layers of lush, black cherry, sweet plum, blackberries, wood spice, vanilla, and
a touch of cocoa. The flavors are consistent with the aromas, having
sweet cherry, Marionberry, and mocha balancing a nice spicy oak component. Round balanced mouth feel with a
richness that lasts into the long finish of lush fruit and wood. |
|
Winemaker's Notes: This is always an
interesting wine to put together, and 2004 was no exception. The year provided
excellent, balanced fruit quality in all of the reds. The blend is 51% Cabernet Sauvignon from
our Estate Vineyard, Badger Mountain, and 49% Merlot from Milbrant
Vineyards in the new Wahluke Slope AVA. The Cabernet
lots were fermented with Prise de Mousse yeast to
emphasize fruit, and Merlot with D254 yeast to
give bigger mouth feel, depth of fruit, and smooth tannin structure. The wines
were in barrels (French oak, 40 % new, and American oak) for about 19 months.
The blend was assembled at that point, and the wine was back in barrels for
about 4 months before bottling in January of 2006. 700 cases made. |
|