2010 Roussanne
Production: 132 Cases
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Tasting Notes
Aromas of quince, orchard flowers and ginseng tea embrace a rich mouth-feel that finishes clean and bright with balanced acidity. Minerality, lemons and ripe pears dominate the palate. Oysters, scallops, lobster and soft, rich cheeses make a sublime pairing with this elegant wine.
Harvest Notes
Vineyards: McKinley Springs
Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills
Harvest Dates: early September
Varietal: 100% Roussanne
Vineyard
McKinley Springs Vineyard is one of the first vineyards in Washington State to begin harvest. The Roussanne typically ripens in late September. Planted at 1,100 feet in elevation on Warden sandy silt loam soils with north south row orientation. Canopy is trained to Vertical Shoot Positioning with the west side left to “flop” to protect the grapes from the hot afternoon sun. Shoot thinning and green thinning occur to ensure an even, concentrated crop. Perhaps it is the elevation, or the soils, but this vineyard gives us some of the best balanced fruit we work with.
Vinification
The fruit is hand harvested and transported to the winery in the early morning. All fruit is whole cluster pressed with press fractions kept separate. It is then settled overnight without the use of sulfites and racked to older French oak barrels. Inoculated in barrel, fermentation completes in mid November. Occasional lees stirring and no malolactic fermentation contribute richness while maintaining acidity. Blended and sterile bottled in April.
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