2005 Ethos Late Harvest Riesling

Purchase 2005 Ethos Late Harvest Riesling

Tasting Notes
“A complex wine, the Ethos Late Harvest Riesling exudes aromas of honey, apricot and spice. The harmonious balance of sugar and natural acidity results in a smooth and viscous mouthfeel and a long-lasting finish.”
-Bob Bertheau, Winemaker

Heritage of Acclaim
97 pts  Wine Spectator  (2006 Vintage)
96 pts  Wine Enthusiast (2006 Vintage)
91 pts  International Wine Cellar (2005 Vintage)

Vintage

• The 2005 harvest tested our winemaker’s patience with a cool September, but ultimately delivered excellent quality fruit.
• The growing season started cool, followed by 90+ degree days in July and August.
• September brought cool and constant weather, which extended the season, allowing grapes extra time to ripen on the vine and enhance flavor development.
• The cool down during harvest and extended ripening period particularly benefited Riesling grapes, resulting in Rieslings with aromatic, ripe fruit character with added elegance and complexity.

Vineyards

• Hand selected grape clusters were harvested from our Horse Heaven Vineyard located adjacent to the Columbia River.
• The site enjoys early-morning humidity and moderate daytime temperatures in which Botrytis cinerea thrives.
• Select Riesling grapes were left hanging on the vine until early November, to achieve the natural condition of Botrytis required for making this exceptional wine.
• Clusters with 75% to 85% Botrytis affected grapes were sought out, making, in essence, a Berenauslese-Style Riesling.

Winemaking

• Botrytis infected clusters of White Riesling grapes were carefully harvested on November 9th.
• Following a gentle pressing, the juice was inoculated with a variety of yeasts to initiate the two week fermentation in neutral oak barrels
• Cool temperatures of 52° F to 54° F were maintained during remaining one week fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fruit’s intrinsically vibrant flavor profile.

Technical Data
Alcohol: 8.0 %
Total Acidity: 0.96g /100ml
pH: 3.08
Residual Sugar: 22.4
Blend: 100% Horse Heaven Vineyard White Riesling

Purchase 2005 Ethos Late Harvest Riesling

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