Canoe Ridge Gewurztraminer 2003
Product Details
Winemaker Notes
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
Much like the banner 1998 vintage, 2003 had a long, hot summer. In
September cool weather moved in, which slowed ripening and allowed longer
time on the vines. This created a good balance between sugar and natural
acidity. Even with the cool weather, we ended up picking about 10 days
earlier than usual, thanks to the early spring.
ABOUT THE VINEYARD
We've found that the key to growing good Gewürztraminer is to be able to
slow the ripening so that sugar and flavor peak at the same time, which is
why Oak Ridge Vineyard is an ideal site for this varietal. As it ripens,
Gewürztraminer can develop sugar quickly, but may lack flavor. The vineyard,
planted with 20-year-old vines, sits between the 1,400 and 1,500 feet elevation
overlooking the White Salmon River. This high elevation and the close
proximity to the cooling effects of the Columbia River nine miles to the
south give the grapes longer hangtime on the vines, allowing full flavors to
develop.
ABOUT THE WINE
The 2003 Canoe Ridge Vineyard Gewürztraminer displays all of the rich
spicy, honeysuckle aromas we have come to expect from the wines of this
vineyard. Delicious melon and citrus flavors match the mouth-coating feel
that results from barrel fermentation in older, neutral French oak barrels. On
the palate, it has a pleasant crispness with a satiny finish.
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
With its tropical fruit aromas, bright acidity and a touch of residual sweetness,
our Gewürztraminer possesses the ability to pair well with foods that
have some spice or heat to them. Delicious with Thai food, spicy salads and
curry dishes, it's also a great match with anything that's covered with spicysweet
barbeque sauce.
Other Vintages
2001-
Robert
Parker
Canoe Ridge Vineyard is one of Washington State’s most recognized wineries, with its namesake vineyard established in 1989 in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Varieties are focused on Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The name comes from a ridge by the vineyard located along the mid-Columbia River, neat the town of Paterson. The famed explorers Lewis and Clark named this crest of land as they journeyed down Columbia River in 1805. From the river, the adventurers thought the ridge resembled an overturned canoe. The Walla-Walla based winery marked its 20th anniversary in 2014.
Bone-dry deserts, upriver winds from the Columbia River and long sunny days make the perfect conditions for growing wine grapes in the Horse Heaven Hills. Fine tannins and deep concentrates fruit flavors are characteristics that put our region on the map- synonymous with some of the most acclaimed wines in the Northwest.