Nose
This bold style Cabernet Sauvignon displays great complexity and
structure. There are aromas of dark berry fruits and plum on the nose.
Palate
Chocolate and vanilla on the palate.
Growing Conditions
The 2016 vintage experienced the best of both worlds with
a hot spring and early summer. A cooler than normal end of
the ripening season allowed the wines to have ripeness,
yet maintain freshness and elegance. The early dry and warm spring, combined with cooler
temperatures in August and September, slowed down
ripening and resulted in the longest harvest on record
in Washington State (August 15-November 15). Overall, 2016 saw very favorable growing conditions,
producing wines with nicely resolved tannins and maturity. Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from
vineyards located on the Horse Heaven Hills (which
contributes texture and body) and the Wahluke Slope
(for aromatics and complexity).
Winemaking
Grapes were crushed and then fermented 6-10 days
on the skins. Malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks
and oak barrels. Blending occurred immediately after
fermentation.
Aging
The wine aged predominately in oak barrels, both new
and old French and American, for approximately 6 months.
Food Pairing
This wine pairs well with
beef tenderloin or hearty pasta.
