2003 Seven Hills Vineyard
Reserve
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Winemaker Notes
This elegant, polished and multifaceted Cabernet Sauvignon has a wonderful purity of flavors, anchored by layers of black currant, dusty berries, earth, cedar, cigar box and spice flavors with a subtle touch of mineral. This wine shows off the unique characteristics of Seven Hills Vineyard with power, finesse and a long, persistent finish. We aged this wine for 18 months in 70% new French oak barrels.
The 2003 Vintage
Although the Walla Walla Valley's 2003 growing season was one of the warmest and driest in the past decade, our estate-vineyard grapes thrived. During the long, warm days, the grapes savored the sun and ripened to ideal sugar levels. Cool nights locked in acidity, creating well-balanced flavors. Our wines from this vintage are expressive and concentrated with silky tannins.
Wine Specifics
Varietal(s): 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27 % Merlot
Vineyard(s): 100% Seven Hills Vineyard
Appellation: 100% Walla Walla Valley
Oak Program: 70% New Oak, 30% Used Oak
Time in Barrels: 18 months
Harvest Date(s): September 7 through October 4, 2003
Brix at Harvest: 25.2
Total Acidity: 0.58 g/ml
pH: 3.73
Finished Alcohol: 13.9 % Vol.
Total Production: 240 (9-liter cases)
Bottling Date: April 14, 2005
Release Date: December 1, 2005