Raptor Red
The Vintage
2002 was particularly warm with an extended Indian Summer, allowing the fruit here in the great Yakima Valley to develop deep, ripe fruit flavors. Better estates were rewarded with superb fruit, especially those who focus special attention on growing quality fruit, by keeping crop levels low and monitor water to control growth and vigor of the vines.
The Grapes
Kestrel View Estate Vineyard is fortunate enough to have some of the oldest grape vines in the state. Our Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blocks were planted in 1972, making them 30 years old when the grapes for this wine were picked. At 30 years of age these old vines have been though a lot, and are barely producing 2 tons per acre. We call vines like these self regulating. They require much less pruning, and thinning. Year after year they produce a modest crop of small berries with intense concentration.
The Winemaking
The Merlot was picked on September 25 and the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 11. The grapes were hand picked and hand sorted prior to being de-stemmed and gently crushed to small open topped fermenters, where they were punched down twice daily. After an initial fermentation the wines were pressed and racked to small French oak barrels where they spent the next 23 months aging to perfection. After this period the six finest barrels in the winery were blended and bottled as Raptor Red.
Winemaker's Notes
The color of the wine is a dark garnet. The aroma is supported by generous quantities of black cherries, blackberries, blueberries, dried plums, and is perfectly balanced with coffee, mocha, and vanilla undertones. This is a complex wine with ample structure, and a velvety texture that weaves its way from first sip to lingering finish.
| PH |
|
3.42 |
| TA |
|
6.8 g/liter |
| ALC |
|
13.8% |
| RS |
|
2 g/liter |
| Blend |
|
49.4% Merlot
49.3% Cabernet Sauvignon
1.3% Malbec |
| Cases |
|
151 |
| Release Date |
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Kestrel Signature Edition Wines
Kestrel Winemaker Select Wines
Kestrel Ultra-Premium Wines
Kestrel Table Wines
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