Palate
The combination of our Canoe Ridge Estate fruit with no varietal restrictions is one of my favorite blends to put together every year. Complex, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon (57%) mingles with the deep jam characters of the Malbec (29%). A touch of Cabernet Franc and Merlot (7% each) completes the wonderful mélange.
Growing Conditions
The 2016 vintage experienced the best of both worlds with a hot spring and early summer, but also a cool fall season.
Cooler temperatures in August and September slowed down ripening, resulting in longer hang time for the grapes and the longest harvest on record in Washington State (August 15- November 15).
Overall, 2016 saw very favorable growing conditions, producing wines with ripeness and elegance.
Planted in 1991, the vineyard at Canoe Ridge Estate is located in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA on a steep South facing slope to the Columbia River.
The site’s proximity to the river and strong wind patterns protect it from temperature extremes, allowing uniform ripening and excellent color development.
Canoe Ridge Estate vineyard is LIVE and Salmon Safe certified.
Winemaking
Gentle pumpovers were used to extract optimal flavor and color and minimize harsh tannins.
Each individual fermentation tank is tasted daily to evaluate the development of the tannins and structure and find the right moment to drain the wine from the skins.
Aging
Aged for 18 months in 45% New French oak and 5% New American oak.
