2005 CORELLA

The Vineyard

Traditionally an early site, this north facing vineyard has a natural cooling effect from the Yakima River, which in turn allows for extra “hang-time” to develop complexity in the fruit.  The vineyard’s geological profile features deep top soils, with “cleechy” strata.  Located across the river from Red Mountain, the vineyard is blessed with some of Washington’s highest heat units. 2005 was a benchmark vintage for eastern Washington, with a long, warm, dry harvest.  This provided rich full ripening of the varietals grown on the estate.  Because of Sangiovese’s affinity to over crop, the clusters are thinned at least twice to insure full ripeness.

Winemaking

Handpicked & sorted, the fruit was gently crushed & cold soaked for 2 days to fully extract the color & flavors from the skins.  A little over 10% of the Sangiovese juice was drained off to give the wine a bolder varietal expression.   The wine was primarily aged in neutral oak barrels for sixteen Months.

The Wine

 A blend of 72% Sangiovese, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Syrah, Corella reminds us of Tuscan afternoons at the Villa. Dry as dust and thoroughly Italian, the lively acidity lifts the cherry flavors but has enough structure to hold its own with robust meals.   This Super Tuscan style wine seems to make special moments into lifelong memories.   This wine should hold nicely from 4-6 years.

Alcohol:   13.8%

pH 3.67

TA  .59

Cases produced  612