World renowned. Washington grown.
2006 Grand Estates Chardonnay
90 points - Wine Spectator
Tasting Notes
“Intense aromas of apple and pear lead into hints of melon and creamy butter on the palate in this refined Chardonnay. The lingering finish is a lush balance of sweet oak, caramelized sugar, and fruit.” -Ray Einberger, Winemaker
- The 2006 growing season was marked by extreme weather patterns. Spring was wet and cooler than normal, followed by a long, dry and hot summer.
- These factors contributed to excellent acid levels in the grapes, balanced canopies and small berries.
- The warmer parts of the Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope saw early ripening and bold flavors from the high temperatures.
- In cooler growing areas, later ripening prompted good acidity and flavor in white varietals.
Vineyards
- 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 soils 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
- Whole berry Chardonnay was pressed, and the juice was held at 50 degrees in stainless steel tanks for two days.
- The settled juice was placed into a combination of new and one- to three-year-old American and French oak barrels.
- After initial fermentation, the wine was re-inoculated to begin malolactic fermentation.
- All barrels were hand stirred every week for nine months.
- Blending occurred after a total of nine months in the barrel.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.53 g/100ml
- pH: 3.57
- Alcohol: 13.8%