- 91
- Points
- Wine Spectator
- Blend
- 82.5% Merlot
16.7% Cabernet Sauvignon
0.8% Cabernet Franc
- Total Acidity
- 0.54g/100ml
- pH
- 3.72
- Alcohol
- 14.4%
- Barrel Aging
- 70% new French oak and 30% American
oak barrels for 25 months
2007 vintage
2007 ReserveMerlot
“Aromatics of slight spice, white pepper and dusty berries lead to a velvety palate of licorice, blackberry and chocolate, finishing with a fine texture.” Ray Einberger, Winemaker
Fruit was handpicked from the vintage’s best vineyards for Columbia Crest’s Reserve Merlot.
Vineyard sites are located on the Wahluke Slope, offering aromatics, texture and complexity; in the Cold Creek area,adding to the flavor and fruitiness; and in the Horse Heaven Hills, contributing balance and body to the finished wine.
Grapes were crushed with 30% whole berries remaining.
Cold soaking on the skins for two days extracted soft tannins and intense color.
A portion of the wine went through malolactic fermentation, which occurred in primarily new French oak barrels.
