<h1>2005 Horse Heaven Hills <br>Merlot -- Columbia Crest Winery Shopping Cart</h1>
<b>$14.99</b>
-- <i>"delivers aromas of spice and blackberry"<br /> Past Club Selection</i>
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<img src="https://store.nexternal.com/ccw/images/h3_merlot_label.gif" align="right" alt="2005 Horse Heaven Hills <br>Merlot" name="2005 Horse Heaven Hills <br>Merlot" border="0" hspace="10" />
<p><b>Tasting Notes</b> <br />“This classic, bold Merlot delivers aromas of spice and blackberry, with a perfect balance of slight earth, dusty cocoa and ripe berry flavors. The wine closes with a rich, velvety, dark chocolate finish.” -<em>Ray Einberger, Winemaker</em> </p>
<p><b>Growing Season</b> </p>
<ul>
<li>August 15 marked the beginning of the earliest harvest on record. </li>
<li>Warm summer months contributed to the uniformity of berry maturation. </li>
<li>A temperature drop in late summer cooled the vineyards and allowed the grapes extra hang time to enhance flavor and aromatic development. </li>
<li>The warmer areas of the Horse Heaven Hills saw early ripening with mature fruit and intense flavors with slight dust and earthy undertones.</li>
<li>The cooler locations saw later ripening with bright fruit, light mineral and herbal qualities.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Vineyards</b> </p>
<ul>
<li>The Horse Heaven Hills vineyards are located east of the Cascade Mountain range. Up to 14,000 feet high, the mountains effectively block eastward-moving wet weather systems from the Pacific Ocean. </li>
<li>The terrain consists of south-facing slopes that provide excellent sun exposure for grape ripening, and good air drainage which protects the vineyards during the winter months. </li>
<li>Well-drained, sandy soils have low fertility and low water-holding capacity, allowing precise control of vine growth patterns. </li>
<li>Strong wind patterns, which are unique to the Horse Heaven Hills, reduce canopy size and density, create better sun exposure, and contribute to even ripening by moderating temperature extremes.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Vinification</b> </p>
<ul>
<li>Grapes were crushed at 30% whole-berry to retain the fruit quality. </li>
<li>Fermentation lasted 7-14 days on the skins to extract optimum fruit and structural components. </li>
<li>Various yeasts were used to maintain fruit flavors and complexity. </li>
<li>Malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. </li>
<li>Blending occurred shortly after malolactic fermentation. </li>
<li>The wine was barrel aged in 40% new American and French oak, and 60% older oak for 14-18 months.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Technical Data</b> </p>
<ul>
<li>Total acidity: 0.55 g/100ml</li>
<li>pH: 3.69</li>
<li>Alcohol: 14.3%</li>
</ul>
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<ul style="padding-left: 15px">
<li>SKU: 18598</li>
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<a href="http://store.columbiacrest.com/Product106" title="<strong>2008 H3 (Horse Heaven Hills) Pinot Gris</strong>"><strong>2008 H3 (Horse Heaven Hills) Pinot Gris</strong></a> -- "Succulent and juicy white fruit flavors finish with a hint of tartness, reminiscent of fresh green apples."<br></li></ul>
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