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The Good Juice
For this edition of The Good Juice we are pleased to let you know about the latest addition to our portfolio, Chateau Ste Michelle from Washington State. The winery which is the
State’s oldest and most acclaimed, offers award-winning wines and combines Old World winemaking tradition with New World innovation.
The vineyards are located in Eastern Washington, where the warm and sunny climate is ideal for growing world class wine grapes. Winemaker Bob Bertheau crafts Washington wines that are expressions of some of the best vineyards in the state including the Cold Creek, Canoe Ridge Estate and Horse Heaven vineyards.
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2003 Columbia Valley Syrah $21.95/bottle
Dry warm weather throughout the growing season in 2003 created excellent ripening conditions for the 2003 Syrah. Modest precipitation in August and September cooled the vineyards, slowed down ripening and allowed the grapes to benefit from extra hang time. At harvest, fruit reached full maturity, with intense flavours, good sugar development and high natural acidity.
The fruit for this Syrah was sourced from Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley vineyards. Syrah is well suited to the region’s long, warm growing season resulting in ideal ripeness and complexity. The Columbia Valley lies in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains and receives just 6-8 inches of rainfall annually. Sandy soils with low fertility and low water-holding capacity allow precise control of vine growth for even ripening and concentrated flavours. The wine has been aged for 14 months in French and American oak barrels, 25% new.
The Columbia Valley Syrah is a soft, jammy and fruit-forward wine that is easy to enjoy. The wine displays ripe berry and exotic spice characters. For a food pairing, a friend of mine just sent me a recipe for Penne with Sausage and Fennel Ragu. I think they would work very well together. |
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2004 Columbia Valley Merlot $21.95/bottle
A hot growing season in 2004 followed by a cool fall created a longer harvest, resulting in wines with ripe, rich flavours. Hot, dry weather from bud break to mid-August prompted the earliest harvest start on record, beginning August 16th. Cool temperatures and intermittent light rain in mid-September slowed ripening and extended hang time. Warm temperatures resumed in early October through to the end of the harvest with final berries being picked in early November.
The grapes for this wine were sourced from Columbia Valley vineyards in eastern Washington, including the Cold Creek and Canoe Ridge Estate vineyards as well as vineyards on the Wahluke Slope. The 2004 vintage marks Bob Bertheau’s first red wine harvest for Chateau Michelle, having the red winemaking reins from start to finish. His goal is to produce a softer mouthfeel and enhanced complexity, while highlighting Washington fruit character. The wine is 82% Merlot, 16% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and it has been aged 15 months in American and French oak, 30% new.
The 2004 Merlot shows complex aromas of black cherries, red licorice and a touch of cedar. The voluminous yet racy midpalate emphasizes sweet fruit, with a lingering cherry finish. It has the typical full structure of Washington State Merlot but in a softer package for versatility and friendliness. |
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2004 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $21.95/bottle
Similar to the 2004 Merlot, the final berries for the ’04 Cab were picked in early November. Gentle pumpovers during fermentation were used to extract colour and flavour and produce soft supple tannins. The wine is a 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah, 7% Merlot, 3% Sangiovese and 3 % Cabernet Franc. The final blend was then aged for 16 months in American oak, 30% new.
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon delivers aromas of blackberries and boysenberry preserves with vanilla and cedar notes. Rich black fruit flavours lead to seamless and friendly tannins and a round inviting midpalate. This is the everyday Cab with amazing complexity and style.
For the 2004 Merlot and the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon I am recommending Grilled Pork Tenderloin with a Roasted Beet-Cranberry Sauce. This main will work well with either wine and in a pinch you could team it up with the Syrah as well. Enjoy. |
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When you have a moment please check out our website at www.profilewinegroup.com
How to order
Phone: 416-598-0033 extension 243 to speak directly with Allan Leal, or you can
E-mail him at aleal@profilewinegroup.com
All orders are COD. Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or cheque. Your credit card will not be charged until the product is shipped.
Minimum Orders: There is a one case minimum order (12 bottles unless otherwise noted).
Delivery to a single destination within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is free of charge. Delivery outside of the GTA can be arranged.
You must be 19 years of age or older to place or receive a wine order. |
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