2005 Reserve • 2006 Pepper Bridge Merlot • 2006 Treaty
Varietal Compostion
77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Malbec.
Vineyard Locations
Minnick Hills Vineyard – Walla Walla Valley – 44%
Alder Ridge Vineyards – Columbia Valley – 7%
St. Clare Vineyards – Walla Walla Valley – 33%
Pepper Bridge Vineyards – Walla Walla – 12%
Dwelley Vineyard – Walla Walla Valley – 4 %
Barrel Aging
19 Months in 78% French and 22% Eastern European oak barrels (11% new barrels)
Production Statistics
Harvest Dates—October 18, 2005
Bottling/Release Date May 16, 2007/May 2008
Sugar at Harvest—25.5 Brix
Wine Alcohol—14.0%
Wine Acidity; pH—0.63 g/100ml; 3.60
Case Production—225
Vintage Conditions
The winter in 2004/2005 was unseasonably warm and dry in the Walla Walla Valley, resulting in an early April bud break for the wine grapes. The warm spring encouraged growth and a perfect berry set. Summer was very hot, resulting in an early harvest with fruit that was high in sugar (25.5 Brix) and contained an excellent acid balance of 0.63 g/100ml after fermentation. The healthy and intense status of the fruit promises a spectacular future for this 2005 vintage Bordeaux style blend wine, Reserve.
Vinification
The carefully selected grapes were hand picked and gently de-stemmed and crushed prior to fermentation. The grapes were fermented at an average must temperature of 90°F for 10 days. At dryness, the grape must was lightly pressed into a settling tank where Malolatic bacteria was introduced. Malolatic fermentation was completed after the wine was placed in 225 liter French and Eastern European oak barrels for nineteen months. The wine received a total of four rackings and was not filtered prior to bottling.
Wine Maker’s Tasting Notes
Fort Walla Walla Cellars 2005 Reserve is a powerful wine, dense with black fruit layered with chocolate and blackberry aromas! The wine is full-bodied, yet contains velvety smooth tannins and hints of vanilla providing a long silky gorgeous finish.