Columbia Crest "Grand Estates" Merlot 2015
(Columbia Valley, Washington)
Regular price $15.00 Sale price $11.99 Save $3.01
Notes from the Winemaker:
Technical Information:
APPELLATION Columbia Valley
ALCOHOL 13.5%
TOTAL ACIDITY 0.53g/100mL
pH 3.77
GROWING SEASON
Fruit was sourced from premier vineyard sites throughout the Columbia Valley, including the Horse Heaven Hills (for texture and body) and the Wahluke Slope (for aromatics and complexity).
Columbia Valley vineyards are seated in Eastern Washington. This region is mostly dry with less precipitation due to the rain shadow effect from the surrounding Cascade Mountain range.
Vineyards are 100% drip irrigation. This, combined with the low water-holding capacity of the soil, allow for precise control of the vines.
VINIFICATION
Grapes were crushed and then fermented for 6-10 days on skins to extract optimum fruit and textural components.
Malolactic fermentation occurred in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels.
The wine aged predominately in both French and American oak barrels, 40% new, for approximately 16 months. A small percentage of the wine aged in stainless steel to retain freshness of fruit and varietal character.
The 2015 vintage was one of the warmest growing seasons on record in Washington.
Warm temperatures continued through the spring and summer, moderating slightly into fall and extending an early harvest.
Overall, 2015 saw very favorable growing conditions, producing optimal ripening across varieties and yielding outstanding wines throughout the region.
VINEYARDSFruit was sourced from premier vineyard sites throughout the Columbia Valley, including the Horse Heaven Hills (for texture and body) and the Wahluke Slope (for aromatics and complexity).
Columbia Valley vineyards are seated in Eastern Washington. This region is mostly dry with less precipitation due to the rain shadow effect from the surrounding Cascade Mountain range.
Vineyards are 100% drip irrigation. This, combined with the low water-holding capacity of the soil, allow for precise control of the vines.
VINIFICATION
Grapes were crushed and then fermented for 6-10 days on skins to extract optimum fruit and textural components.
Malolactic fermentation occurred in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels.
The wine aged predominately in both French and American oak barrels, 40% new, for approximately 16 months. A small percentage of the wine aged in stainless steel to retain freshness of fruit and varietal character.
TASTING NOTES
“This Merlot has a rich aromatic profile with notes of chocolate and dark cherries. The complex fruit flavors are followed by a smooth, velvety finish. Pair this wine with blue cheese, duck, beef, veal and dark chocolate.” - JUAN MUÑOZ OCA, WINEMAKER
Technical Information:
APPELLATION Columbia Valley
ALCOHOL 13.5%
TOTAL ACIDITY 0.53g/100mL
pH 3.77