88: points; Wine Spectator
Blend: 92% Pinot Gris
8% Pinot Blanc
Total Acidity: 0.59g/100ml
pH: 3.22
Alcohol: 13.0%

2009 Horse Heaven HillsPinot Gris

“This eloquent Pinot Gris opens with lively scents of orchard blossoms, cling peaches and hints of citrus fruits. Vibrant flavors of white fruits with a touch of lemon zest culminate to the juicy, mouth-watering finish.” -Ray Einberger, Winemaker

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The 2009 growing season featured one of eastern Washington’s hottest summers on record, with a major heat wave in July. However, cooler weather from early September to early October allowed the Pinot Gris grapes to hang on the vine for an extended period developing fully mature flavors balanced by crisp acidity.

Overall the 2009 vintage produced white wines with lots of natural acidity and fruit-forward flavors.

Whole-berry Pinot Gris from select vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills was pressed. The juice was held at 50 degrees in stainless steel tanks for two days until well clarified.

To enhance mouth-feel, 8% of the juice was placed in two-year-old American oak barrels.

After alcoholic fermentation was complete, the wine remained on lees for five months with hand-stirring occurring weekly.

The other 92% of the juice was fermented in stainless steel to enhance complexity yet retain the elegant, fruit-forward characteristics unique to the Horse Heaven Hills region.

FACTSHEET

Past Vintage Fact Sheets:
2008