Château Ste. Michelle Orphelin 2004

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8 Reviews

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Winery:

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Varietal:

 

Region:

USA > Oregon; Washington > Columbia Valley

Type:

Red Wine

Color:

Drink Dates:

Drink Now - 2012

UPC:

 

User Tags:  blend, style, color descriptors, food wine, deep, sour cherries, fruit, red wine, special occasion, strong 

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Winemakers Notes

Tasting NotesWe grow many different Rhone varieties at our Columbia Valley vineyards, many of which dont have a home when it comes time to blending. These varieties, such as Mourvedre and Grenache, are some of the more interesting varieties winemakers get to work with, and it always seemed a shame to have to blend away these orphans. Orphelin was born by trying to create a true Rhone-style blend from these wines, while showcasing Washingtons true potential for Rhone varieties. The wine bursts with ripe, red fruit and layers of spice and milk chocolate. On the palate, candied cherries and ripe read more...strawberries abound offering an enticing, complex mouthfeel and a smiling finish.Bob Bertheau, Winemaker Vineyards Sourced from vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley in eastern Washington state. Columbia Valley vineyards lie in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains and receive just 6-8 inches of rainfall annually. Warm, sunny days and cool evening temperatures create ideal conditions for intense aroma and flavor development in the ripening grapes. Sandy soils with low fertility and low water-holding capacity enable precise control of vine growth.WinemakingRipe grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity. Twice daily pumpovers helped extract color and flavor during fermentation. Aged for 20 months in 95% new, French (65%) and American (35%) oak.VintageA hot growing season in 2004 followed by a cool fall created a longer harvest, resulting in wines with ripe, rich flavors. Hot, dry weather from bud break to mid-August prompted the earliest harvest start on record, beginning August 16. Cool temperatures and intermittent light rain in mid-September slowed ripening and extended hang time. Warm temperatures and dry weather resumed in early October through harvests end with final berries being picked in early November.Technical StatsTotal Acidity 0.59 g/100 mlpH 3.69Alcohol 13.8%Blend 39.5% Syrah, 16.5% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 15% Mourvedre, 6% Sangiovese, 3.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Petit Verdot, .5% Souzao, .4% Touriga, .1% Malbec    (hide)

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