Nose
The intense fruit in this Cabernet Sauvignon does not
deter from the aromatics of chocolate cherry and slight
mint.
Palate
A palate of cocoa and black cherry
flavors. This is an elegant, complex wine that culminates in the perfect balance of wood and fruit on the
lingering finish.
Growing Conditions
A hot, dry growing season created ideal flavor maturity
and promoted an early harvest start. Cool temperatures and intermittent rain in mid-September
prompted extended hang time, which allowed the grapes to
reach ideal physiologic maturing. The 2004 harvest is characterized by smaller berry and
cluster size, with intense flavors, good sugar development
and high natural acidity. Vineyard sites are located on the Wahluke Slope, offering
aromatics, texture and complexity; the Cold Creek area,
which add flavor and fruitiness; and on the Horse Heaven
Hills, which contribute balance and body to the finished
wine. The region’s low rainfall stressed the vines, yielding
concentrated fruit with depth and varietal expression
Winemaking
Hand-picked grapes were crushed with 20% whole berries
remaining. Cold soaking on the skins for two days extracted soft
tannins and intense color. Twice-daily pumpovers during fermentation occurred for
7-10 days to aerate the wine and enhance aromatics and
bouquet
Aging
Lots are blended and placed in new French and American
oak barrels for malolactic fermentation. Aging occurred for 27 months in the barrel.
