Nose
This Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is firm and powerful
without losing focus. Aromas of dust and earth.
Palate
A rich structure and vibrant, ripe fruit flavors of
concentrated black fruit, which are unique characteristic
from the Stone Tree Vineyard.
Growing Conditions
Spring temperatures in Eastern Washington started off
relatively cool but rose quickly, and the region soon settled
in to a more typical weather pattern. Summer was predictably warm though without any
prolonged excessive heat events, with temperatures rarely
breaking 100° Fahrenheit. Late summer and early fall brought on slightly cooler
daytime highs and a significant diurnal shift, a pattern that
continued well into October. A few sporadic rain showers in mid-to-late October were
quickly dissipated by persistent winds and had no effect on
the harvest. Overall the 2012 harvest was outstanding; the red wines
are flavorful and rich with ripe tannins.
Source vineyard: Stone Tree Vineyard graces the beautiful Wahluke Slope
on the hillside. The flat agricultural site allows for
viticulture uniformity in plant vigor and ripening while
the vine roots tap into the mineral-rich under layer,
adding to the grapes’ character. Hot summer days, warm evenings complement the gravel
and silty loam soils of this low yielding vineyard site. Low rainfall stressed the vines, and irrigation was applied
judiciously to create concentrated varietal expression
Winemaking
Hand-picked grapes were crushed with 20% whole berries
remaining and then fermented in stainless steel tanks. Cold soaking on the skins for two days extracted soft
tannins and intense color. Twice-daily pumpovers during fermentation occurred
for 6-10 days to aerate the wine and enhance aromatics
and bouquet. Lots were blended and placed in new and once-used
French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation.
Aging
Aging occurred for 18 months in new and once used French
Oak barrels
