Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
- Region: Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
- Winery: Chateau Ste. Michelle
- Type: Red Wine
- Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
Winery: Chateau Ste. Michelle
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Rating: 4
Winery Tasting notes:
TASTING NOTES
"Our goal with the Ethos Cabernet is to showcase the power and richness of Washington fruit combined with an Old World elegance. A majority of the fruit for the 2009 bottling came from our iconic 40-year-old Cold Creek Vineyard which provided the wine’s power and structure. This Cabernet offers integrated layers of fruit and complexity with seamless and silky tannins." - Bob Bertheau, Winemaker
VINTAGE
The 2009 growing season was ideal with dry, warm weather and plenty of sunshine.
The season started a week late in blooming, but caught up as the perfect ripening weather lasted through September.
The weather was not too hot, which allowed grapes to retain their natural acidity.
VINEYARDS
A majority of the fruit (94%) came from our Cold Creek Vineyard, one of the oldest and warmest sites in Washington.
Planted in 1973, the low yielding old vines of Cold Creek produce small clusters and small berries, resulting in intense varietal flavors and deep color.
6% of Cabernet from our vineyard at Canoe Ridge Estate and 5% Merlot from Cold Creek Vineyard rounded out the blend.
WINEMAKING
Grapes were sorted with a new grape receiving and MOG (materials other than grapes) separation system that transfers fruit to the fermenters in a more gentle and pure method, allowing for greater varietal expression and softer mouthfeel.
Ripe grapes were destemmed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity.
Daily gentle pumpovers were used to extract optimal flavor and color and minimize harsh tannins. The pumpovers can vary by block, tank and day of fermentation. Every ferment is tasted every day to evaluate the evolution of the tannins, modify extraction techniques and find the right moment to drain the wine off of its skins.
Aged for 22 months in French oak, 96% new.
TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol: 15.5%
Total Acidity: 0.51g/100ml
pH: 3.8
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot
Posted by Waage1 on September 18th, 2012 at 3:01am | report comment