2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Growing Season

• 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.

Vineyards

• Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for the Reserve program were harvested from the top 10% of the vintages’s best vineyard sites.
• 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.
• Cabernet Sauvignon has an affinity for the growing season’s warm daytime cooler evening temperatures. The balance between daytime and nighttime temperatures during the ripening period concentrated aromatics and enhanced complexity.
• The region’s low rainfall stressed the vines, yielding concentrated fruit with depth and varietal expression.

Vinification

• 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.
• Lots are blended and placed in new French and American oak barrels for malolactic fermentation.
• Aging occurred for 27 months in the barrel.

Technical Data

• Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot
• Total acidity: 0.61 g/100ml
• pH: 3.66
• Alcohol: 14.2%

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