2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Note: Aromatics of blackberry, spice and cedar marry together on the beautiful nose. Interwoven flavors of currant, leather, spice and dark chocolate complement the nuances of oak. Lingering fruit and sweet cedar notes are supported by balanced tannins on the finish.

Winemaking: The fruit for Browne Family was harvested from September 28 - November 17, 2006 at the peak of Phenolic ripeness and tested on the vine for flavor and structure. Once harvested, all grapes were hand picked into small ½ ton bins and immediately de-stemmed. The winery "crusher," used to de stem fruit was removed to maintain 70% whole berries during fermentation. This allowed for great extraction of color and increased the maturity of tannins making the wine more approachable. After pressing occurred, primary fermentation was completed in stainless steel. The new wine was then transferred to 59- gallon Eastern European Oak casks; selected for their intense varietal Cabernet characteristics and to balance the fruit tannins. Browne Family 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon was barrel aged for 22 months then bottled in August 2008, leaving the wine to age for fourteen additional months prior to release.  

Varietal blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc

Appellation: Columbia Valley, WA

pH: 3.78

TA: 0.58

RS: none

Alcohol: 13.70%

Vineyards: Blackrock, Loess, Stonetree

Oak: 50% new EEO, 50% 1 year old AO & FO

Fining: none

Aging: 22 Months

Malolactic: 100%

Yeast: Pasture Red, Premier Cuvee

Harvest Dates: 9/28/06 - 11/7/06

Bottling Dates: August 2008

Cases Produced: 579