VINTAGE The 2007
growing season started with a warm spring, followed by a week of
high temperatures (100°F) shortly before bloom in May and average
temperatures throughout most of the rest of the season. The heat
spike led to small canopy development, and good fruit exposure for
the remainder of the growing season. Near perfect ripening
conditions followed with cool but even August and September
temperatures contributing to grapes rich in ripe flavors and
tannins particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
VINIFICATION Grapes
were sorted, then gently crushed, with lots fermented separately on
the skins for an average of seven to 12 days. A variety of
fermentation techniques (both punchdown and pump-over) were used to
extract the best flavors. The wine was removed from the skins and
placed into 30% French and 70% American oak barrels, 45% new for
malolactic fermentation and aging. Racking occurred every three
months during the 16-month aging period, and Winemaker Marcus
Notaro tasted through the best wine lots to create the final
blend.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
“Aromas of current, plum, and dried fruits lead into a silky smooth
palate with lots of fruit, and a touch of spice and chocolate on
the long, seductive finish.” – Marcus Notaro, Winemaker
VINTERS A collaboration between
Tuscany’s Marchesi Antinori and Washington State’s Chateau Ste.
Michelle.
THE BLEND
64% Cabernet Sauvignon
16% Merlot
10% Syrah
5% Petit Verdot
4% Malbec
1% Carmenere
TECHNICAL DATA
Appellation: Columbia Valley (74% Red Mountain, 18% Horse Heaven
Hills, 5% Wahluke Slope, 3% Columbia Valley)
Alcohol: 14.4%
Total Acidity: 0.57 gms/100ml
pH: 3.74
Case Production 1000 cases