While blending this wine we were amazed at the tannin structure and complexity of the petite verdot, so we included a hefty amount. We ferment this in small batches, only 1.5 ton fermentors, and with moderate oxidation to keep the freshness from the vineyard. I think that is how the petit verdot was able to be so lively. This is mountain fruit (1,400 ft elevation), so expect strength, acidity and minerality.
Blend 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petit Verdot, 9% Cabernet Franc
Vintage 2009
Appellation Walla Walla Valley AVA
Winemaker Anna Schafer
Ratings and Awards WE - 93, IWC - 90
Fruit Handling Hand-picked & sorted
Fermentation Fermentation in 1.5 ton stainless steel tanks
Secondary Malolactic Fermentation in barrel for two months.
Aging 100% French Oak , 40% new for 24 months
Filtration Unfined and unfiltered
Bottling Date March - 2011
Production 240 cases
Vineyard à Maurice Estate Vineyard
Owner/Manager Tom Schafer & Ken Hart
Location Walla Walla, WA (Walla Walla Valley)
Altitude 1,400 feet in elevation
Vineyard Age 2006
Soil Half glacial till alluvial soils, the other half pre-glacial soils. 12 inches of topsoil, 20 feet of sandy loam, 60 feet of gravel, and then the Wanapum basalt aquifer.
Site Southern facing slope with excellent sun exposure and cold air drainage, just upland from Mill Creek
Varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
Harvest Date Oct. 2009
Yield 2 tons to the acre
Appearance Deep garnet red
Nose Dark dusty nose of minerals, rose and spice.
Palate While blending this wine we were amazed at the tannin structure and complexity of the Petit Verdot, so we included a hefty amount. We ferment this in small batches, only 1.5 ton fermentors, and with moderate oxidation to keep the freshness from the vineyard. I think that is how the Petit Verdot was able to be so lively. This is mountain fruit (1,400 ft elevation), so expect strength, acidity and minerality.