Harvest began 10 days later than normal due to cool spring weather and a moderate summer.
Hot weather in August provided ideal ripening conditions for grapes across all varietals and harvest was quickly ramped up in order to obtain fruit at the optimum ripeness.
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.
A combination of twice-daily pumpovers and délestage (punch-downs) during fermentation occurred for 6 to 9 days, depending on lot and vineyard.
Lots are blended and placed in 82% new French and 18% new American oak barrels for malolactic fermentation.
Aging occurred for 25months in oak.
Vineyards Wautoma Springs 31%, Coyote Canyon 28%, Stone Tree 22%, Beverly 12%, Four Feathers 7%
Cases Produced 6,600