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Wine Spectator 90 Points
Firm in texture, with chocolate and leather overtones to the dark berry flavors, finishing with moderate grip as the flavors persist nicely. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2013.
–HS, Dec 15, 2011

Tasting Notes
“Aromas of fresh blueberries, anise and earth lead to firm and supple tannins on the palate. This red wine blend presents incredible depth, with layered flavors of candied nuts, licorice and dark chocolate that lead to a mocha finish featuring ample, sweet tannins.” – Juan Muñoz Oca, Winemaker

Growing Season
•The growing season was perfect with dry, warm weather and lots of sunshine.
•Although bloom was delayed slightly by cool spring weather, warm temperatures
soon returned and perfect ripening weather lasted through September.
•A freeze in the Columbia Valley on the night of October 10th led to a slightly early end to the harvest season. However most grapes were already picked or had already reached a good level of maturity.
•Overall the 2009 vintage produced wines with lots of natural acidity and
fruit-forward flavors.

Vineyards
•The Horse Heaven Hills vineyards are located 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.
•The terrain consists of south-facing slopes that provide excellent sun exposure for grape ripening, and good air drainage which protects the vineyards during the winter months.
•Well-drained, sandy soils have low fertility and low water-holding capacity, allowing precise control of vine growth patterns.
•Strong wind patterns, which are unique to Horse Heaven Hills, reduce canopy size and density, create better sun exposure, and contribute to even ripening by moderating temperature extremes.

Vinification
•Grapes were crushed at 30% whole-berry to retain the fruit quality.
•Fermentation lasted 6-10 days on the skins to extract optimum fruit and
structural components.
•Various yeasts were used to maintain fruit flavors and complexity.
•Malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels.
Blending occurred shortly after malolactic fermentation.
•The wine was barrel aged in a combination of American and French oak,
one-third new for 18 months.

The Winery
At Columbia Crest we pride ourselves on delivering handcrafted, superior-quality small-lot wines, as well as affordable everyday Washington wines. Our first release in 1984 started a tradition that has established us as one of America’s most popular and fast-growing wineries.