Whom You Know: Champagne Wishes: Columbia Crest 2008 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon Highly Recommended by Whom You Know! Drink American!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Champagne Wishes: Columbia Crest 2008 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon Highly Recommended by Whom You Know! Drink American!

Oooh when Peachy Deegan is not wearing Columbia, she is drinking it...Columbia Crest, that is! As the original winery in the Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Crest realized the quality potential for grape growing in this hallowed corner of Washington state long before it was considered the place to plant vineyards. We love love love when we find superior American products and this is one of our most recent prized finds. Named for the wild horses that once roamed the area, the H3 wines are crafted to reflect the unique terroir of the growing region. The 2008 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon produced 40,000 cases. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Peachy's most favorite wines across the board and this is one of our most favorite recent finds. A full bodied red, this is the perfect wine for celebrating the holidays without breaking the bank. Bursting of a variety of berry notes that add true depth and quality, the H3 Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with everything from filet mignon to your favorite cheeses, and also holds its own at a cocktail party.

The vineyards in Horse Heaven Hills are the source and inspiration behind the H3 wines. The hills have been home to the Columbia Crest winery for more than two decades, and it is this heritage, combined with innovative winemaking and vineyard knowledge, that allow their winemaker to create wines that capture the unique terroir of the region.

Growing Season
A perfect ripening season with full crop yields and restrained sugar levels led to outstanding wines from Washington state’s vineyards in 2008. Harvest began 10 days later than normal due to cool spring weather and a moderate summer. Hot weather in August provided ideal ripening conditions for grapes across all varietals and harvest was quickly ramped up in order to obtain fruit at the optimum ripeness.

Vineyards
The Horse Heaven Hills vineyards are seated 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 the 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 20% whole-berry to retain fruit quality.
Fermentation lasted 6-10 days on the skins to extract optimum fruit and structural components.
Various yeasts were used to maintain fruit ﬂ avors and complexity. Malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. Blending occurred shortly after malolactic fermentation. The wine was barrel aged in 40% new American and French oak, and 60% older oak for 14-18 months. The wine was racked at three month and six month intervals during the 14-18 month barrel aging period.

The stats from the stats girl:

Vineyards: Horse Heaven Hills

Harvest Date: October 2008

Blend: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc

Fermentation: 6-10 days on skins

Yeasts: Premier Cuvee

Alcohol: 14.5%

Total Acidity: 0.55 g/100ml

pH: 3.76

HORSE HEAVEN HILLS 2008 CABERNET SAUVIGNON IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY WHOM YOU KNOW!

Tasting Notes
“This intense, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon delivers aromas of dark chocolate-covered cherries, black tea and a hint of cedar, leading to a silky texture accented by ﬂavors of cassis and exotic spices. This wine is structured but delicate with a perfect balance of earthy tannins and a lingering ﬁ nish.” -Ray Einberger, Winemaker

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