Claret 2005

Awards, Ratings and Reviews

Recommended, Wine Press Northwest (Winter 08/09)

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

Each year we select lots that represent our very finest efforts with the traditional red Bordeaux varieties. In 2005 we selected wines from our estate’s Fault Line Vineyards in the Umpqua as well as from Alta Seca Vineyard and Pheasant Hill Vineyard in the Rogue to express our vision of Southern Oregon terroir.

Exquisitely ripe black and red currants, plums, and blueberry jam waft from the glass. An unctuous texture carries rich fruit and distinctive minerality with tasteful and integrated toasty oak that culminates in a focused, polished finish. This intense wine will improve over the next six to eight years and decanting is recommended.

We suggest simple, elegant food pairings like grilled porterhouse steak with applewood smoked bacon and bleu cheese compound butter.

Technical Notes

Fruit Source: Abacela’s Fault Line Vineyards, Umpqua Valley; Pheasant Hill Vineyard, Rogue Valley; Alta Seca Vineyard, Rogue Valley

Appellation: Southern Oregon

Harvest Date: 11, 13, 31 October & 1 November 2005

Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon 60%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 12%, Malbec 5%, Petit Verdot 3%

At harvest: Sugar;25.2° brix  pH; 3.82  TA; 4.58 grams/liter

Cooperage: French (100%), 35% new, 43% 2-yr old

At bottling: Sugar; Nil

Bottling date: 1 May 2007

Case Production: 204 (750 mL)

Alcohol: 14.2% by volume

Release Date: 24 May 2008

S R P: $32.00 (750 mL) SOLD OUT