2002 Columbia Valley Merlot

Wine Statistics

2002 The Vintage

The year 2002 concluded as another great vintage for Oregon. Fruit quality was excellent, with optimal berry and cluster sizes. The dry summer was not as hot as the summer of 2001 and Fall was excellent, with nearly ideal conditions. The mild weather resulted in a harvest in which the fruit was full of abundant sugars and balanced acidity, as the statistics indicate.

2002 Estate Bottled Pinot Noir

Prior to the actual fermentation, 75% of the grapes were de-stemmed and processed "whole berry" while the other 25% were left "whole cluster". The grapes were then places in open top fermenters and the fermentation was begun. For 12 days the wines were "punched-down" in the traditional old world style for maximum extraction of color and flavor. The new wine was then pressed off, settled, and racked into barrels. Next the wines were aged in French and Oregon oak for a period of nine months. Prior to bottling, the wine was cold-stabilized and coarse-filtered.

Upon opening, our 2002 Estate Bottled Pinot Noir exhibits a delicate nose with an attractive hint of oak vanillins that extends to the palate. Fruity hints of black cherries and strawberries grace the finish. The medium tannic structure and astringency will enhance suppleness and complexity as the wine ages. This lovely wine will grace medium to hearty dishes.

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