Growing Conditions
2014 in Eastern Washington was one of the warmest seasons in decades.
The ripening period in September cooled to more typical weather for the region. In October temperatures rose again to one of the warmest October months on record.
Overall 2014 was an ideal growing season; ripening was excellent for all varieties in all locations.
Planted in 1973, the south-facing Cold Creek Vineyard is a warm, dry site with high heat accumulation.
The low yielding old vines produce small clusters and small berries, resulting in intense varietal flavors and deep color. The site’s weak, loamy sand and gravel soils with low-water holding capacity produce moderate crops and concentrated grapes.
Cold Creek vineyard is LIVE and Salmon Safe certified.
Winemaking
Ripe grapes were destemmed and sorted with a cutting-edge grape receiving and sorting system designed to gently remove any green material from the grapes, allowing for pure varietal expression and soft mouthfeel.
The fruit was left on stems and fermented with whole clusters intact, providing fine structure and added complexity.
Daily gentle pumpovers were used to extract optimal flavor and color and minimize harsh tannins.
Aging
Aged 18 months in a combination of 26% new French oak, 17% new American oak, 49% neutral oak barrels and 8% Neutral oak Puncheons.
