2003 Winemaker's Selection Claret, Sonoma County
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Vintage
2003
Price
$27
Release Date
May 2004
Appellation
Sonoma County
Availability
Only at the Winery
Grapes
- 95% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 5% Merlot
Vintage
The season began on a wet note - we got almost a year's average rainfall in December 2002 - but an unseasonably warm spring gave us an early bud break in March. The vines began to grow and the weather turned cold and wet again in April; depending on location we had rain between 20 to 26 days of the month. This cool overcast weather virtually stopped vine growth and filled the soil with water. As it turned out, April rains and soil moisture ended up being the big story of 2003. Warm weather in May got things going again with explosive growth, then June cooled off and it became apparent that it was going to be a late harvest. There were rumblings about similarities with 1998, but with record heat in July, the situation looked hopeful. August cooled some but brought a tropical weather pattern and the fear of rain. The weather warmed in late September and it became a challenge to control sugars while waiting for flavor maturity. Once harvest began in mid-September, but thanks to a cooling trend, we were able to bring in fruit with great ripeness and maturity through October. 2003 was unique and, weather-wise all over the board. But we got what we needed at critical times and most varietals fared beautifully.
Vinification
This special blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot was crafted from four renowned Sonoma vineyards. Carefully acting to preserve the characteristics of each block, our winemakers used a minimalist approach and a regimen of delicate handling. After 18 months of aging in oak, the final blend was bottled in April of 2005. Alcohol 14.5%, Total acidity .54, pH 3.76, Residual sugar .13%.
Tasting Notes
Full-bodied and well balanced with flavors of ripe plum, herbs, and spicy oak, and is a blend that combines depth of flavor with oak complexity. It is a rich, somewhat toasty wine, with berry, cedar, and vanilla overtones, and a fairly powerful finish.