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The
Season
A consistent, uniform growing season produced fruit with intense
flavors and excellent acids. The grapes ripened evenly, and were
similar in character to previous years’ fruit – small
berry size, flavorful juice, bright ruby color.
The Harvest
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Cabernet Sauvignon - picked October 6 |
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Merlot - picked October 6 |
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Cabernet Franc - picked October 6 |
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26 Average Degrees Brix; pH 3.4 |
Fermentation
The varietal lots were kept separate during fermentation. All the
juice received extended maceration, with four weeks total skin contact
time. The Cabernet went into small tanks, and the Merlot and Cabernet
Franc went into small open-top fermenters utilizing the punch down
technique. Juices were fermented with Montrachet Yeast for a dependable,
restrained fermentation.
Production & Cellaring
235 gallons / 100 cases total production
After crushing and fermentation, the wine went into barrels in early
November and aged by separate varietal lots for three months until
initial blending at the first racking in January. Barrels were 40%
new and 60% neutral Nevers French oak with a medium toast. The wine
spent 22 months in barrels, during which time it was racked twice.
A light filtration at bottling, scheduled for August 2001, will
be followed by one year of bottle age before release. Alcohol is
13.8%.
Packaging
The packaging remains the same as in previous vintages. Smoky-hued
Antique Green bottles with applied acrylic labeling are individually
tissue wrapped. For case orders, the wine is packaged in branded
wooden boxes with sliding lids.
Availability
There is a very limited quantity of 1999 Reflections Meritage; only
235 gallons, 100 cases having been produced. Originally released
at $40 per bottle, this vintage is now available in very limited
quantities for $65 per bottle. Case orders receive a 10% case discount.
Please ask about shipping. Shipping is available for wooden boxes
at an increased cost.
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