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Grand Estates Shiraz
2006 Grand Estates Shiraz
86 Points & Best Buy, Wine Enthusiast=
=
Tasting Not=
es
“This opaque, reddish-purple wine contains expressive aromas of peppe=
r,
spice, blueberry, and violet. It makes a fresh entry on the palate with lay=
ers
of fresh fruit and soft tannins that carry through the long silky finish. E=
njoy
this wine with grilled dishes.”-Ray Einberger=
,
Winemaker
Growing Sea=
son
=
The
2006 growing season was marked by weather extremes, with near record
rainfall in the Columbia Valley during the early spring and record high
temperatures in the early and mid-summer.
Althou=
gh a
challenging season weather-wise, exceptional sites including the warmer
parts of the Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke
Slope saw early ripening and bold tannins from the high temperatures. =
In the
cooler growing areas, later ripening prompted good acidity and flavor =
in
white varietals, as well as good color, pronounced fruit flavors and l=
ess
aggressive tannins in reds.
Vineyards=
span>
The Gr=
and
Estates Shiraz is harvested predominantly from select vineyards locate=
d in
the Horse Heaven Hills (balance and complexity), =
Wahluke
Slope (texture and body), and Yakima Valley (aromatics). =
span>
Columb=
ia
Valley Vineyards are seated east of the Cascade Mountain range. Up to
14,000 feet high, the mountains effectively
block eastward-moving wet weather systems from the Pacific Ocean.
Just 6=
to
8 inches of rainfall reach the growing region annually. Vineyards are =
100%
drip irrigation.
The so=
ils
have low fertility and low water-holding capacity, allowing
precise control of vine growth patterns.
Vines =
are
planted north to south on south and southeast facing slopes.
Vinification
Grapes
were destemmed and crushed with 10% whole
berries remaining, then fermented on skins seven to 10 days with a
twice-daily pumpover regime to gently extr=
act
color, aromas and flavors.
The wi=
ne
aged for 12-14 months in 60% French and 40% American
oak barrels. The blend includes Viognier (co-fermented) to add complex=
ity
to the bouquet and also depth and nuance to=
the
finished wine.