TASTING NOTES

"My goal with Ethos wines is to showcase the best of Washington for the varietal and the vintage. This wine makes a blending statement with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. Merlot blends so well with other varieties for a more interesting wine. The wine offers blueberry fruit with wonderful completxity and rich layers. All of the fruit came from our Cold Creek estate vineyard." - Bob Bertheau, Winemaker

VINTAGE

• 2010 was one of the coolest vintages on record and a year that tested our winemaker's patience.
• The ripening season was marked by a mild spring and cool summer, resulting in harvest starting three weeks later than normal.
• Fortunately, a warmer September and October allowed grapes to ripen to maturity.
• The cooler weather conditions resulted in grapes reaching optimum flavor ripeness to desired sugar levels.
  

• Our Cold Creek Vineyard provided 100% of fruit for the 2010 Ethos Merlot.
• Cold Creek Vineyard is one of the oldest and warmest sites in Washington.
• Planted in 1973, the low yielding old vines of Cold Creek produce small clusters and small berries, resulting in intense varietal flavors and deep color.

• Grapes were sorted with a new grape receiving system and MOG (materials other than grapes) separation system that gets fruit to the fermenters in a more gentle and pure method, allowing for better varietal expression and softer mouthfeel.
• Ripe grapes were destemmed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity.
• Daily gentle pumpovers were used to extract optimal flavor and color and minimize harsh tannins. The pumpovers can vary by block, tank and day of fermentation. Every ferment is tasted every day to evaluate the evolution of the tannins, modify extraction techniques and find the right moment to drain the wine off of its skins.
• Aged for 22 months in 67% new French oak.
• Frequent aerative racking took place during barrel aging to soften tannins and enhance mouthfeel.

• Alcohol: 15.2%
• Total Acidity: 0.50g /100ml
• pH: 3.85
• Blend: 76% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Franc