Col Solare "Shining Hill" Red Wine 2006 (Columbia Valley, Washington)

Notes From The Winemaker:Vintage:The 2006 growing season was marked by extreme weather patterns, including a wet and cool springand a long, hot, dry summer. These factors contributed to excellent acid levels in the grapes, balanced canopies, and small, concentrated berries with bold flavors. Vinification Grapes were sorted, then gently crushed, with lots fermented separately on the skins for an average of seven to 10 days. A variety of fermentation techniques (both punchdown and pumpover) were used to extract the best flavors. The wine was removed from the skins and placed into 62% French and 38% American oak barrels, all new. Racking occurred every three months during the 16-month aging period, and the international winemaking team of Resident Winemaker Marcus Notaro and Co-Winemakers Doug Gore and Renzo Cotarella tasted through the best wine lots to create the final blend of Merlot (56%), Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), and Syrah (8%). Winemaker's Notes: Aromas of bing cherry, plum, and dr