2009 Estate Blend "Night Owl"

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 àMaurice 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.