This 2003 Charbonneau Red is produced entirely from grapes grown in Walla Walla County. All of the merlot and cabernet sauvignon (95.7%) were grown at Charbonneau Vineyard, owned by Mickey and Kevin Witherspoon. This vineyard is located in northwestern Walla Walla County, high on a bench overlooking the Snake River with gentle aspect toward the north. The very sandy soil is shallow and wind blown and of marginal productivity, rarely producing more than two tons per acre. The cabernet franc was grown at the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley on shallow silt loam soils near Lowden, Washington.
TASTING NOTES Color: Deep, dark garnet red
Nose: Typical Charbonneau aromas of sweet pipe tobacco and cigar box integrated with subtle cherry and cassis. Toasted oak from new barrels plays in with additional notes of spice and vanilla.
Taste: Ripe, sweet, fruit is in perfect proportion with new French oak, acidity, alcohol and tannin. The wine has great texture with softer tannins. The finish is generous and long.
Observations: The 2003 vintage was the warmest on record in Washington State. I currently find the nose to be closed initially but opens up with time in the glass. The flavor profile expresses the Charbonneau character with the herb and tobacco nuances that allow this Charbonneau red wine to show a sense of place. I expect the cherry and cassis fruit to become more forward as this wine develops. This wine should age well for ten years, with proper cellaring.
"March 2007 This is a very distinctive, flavorful red Bordeaux blend - soft and spicy with unusual accents of grass and caramel. The flavors persist, the caramel streak gaining strength as it rolls through the palate, but always behind it is the taste of grain. Truly a unique red."
Reviewer: Wine Enthusiast
Reviewer Publication: Wine Enthusiast
Review: 95 points
"March 2007, Cellar Selection"
Reviewer: Tastings
Reviewer Publication: Tastings
Review: Excellent
"Spring 2007 Rick Small features this vineyard overlooking the Snake River. The blend starts with Cab (56%) and goes on with Merlot and Cab Franc encased in new French oak for a lighter style focused on the future with a theme of cherry, currant and raspberry fruit."
Lowden, Washington 99360
