Item #113 ©2008 Col Solare, 50207 Antinori Road, Benton City, WA 99320

The Blend 71% Cabernet Sauvignon | 25% Merlot
4% Cabernet Franc

Vintage The 2005 growing season started cool,
followed by 90+ degree days in July and early August.
A temperature drop in late summer cooled the vineyards
and allowed the grapes extra hang time to enhance flavor
development. Harvest commenced as one of the earliest
on record, and moderate weather conditions during
harvest contributed to mature fruit with intense flavor,
good sugar development, and high natural acidity across
red varietals.

Vinification Grapes were gently crushed, and lots
fermented separately on the skins for an average of seven
to 10 days. During this time, a twice-daily pump over
regime infused the fermenting juice with flavor, soft
tannins and color. The wine was removed from the skins
and placed into 75% French and 25% American new oak
barrels. R acking occurred every three months during
the 26-month aging period, and the international
winemaking team of Resident Winemaker Marcus Notaro
and Co-Winemakers Doug Gore and Renzo Cotarella
tasted through the best wine lots to create the final blend
of Cabernet Sauvignon (71%), Merlot (25%), and Cabernet
Franc (4%).

Technical Data
appellation: Columbia Valley
Alcohol: 14.5%
Total Acidity: 0.59 gms/100ml
pH: 3.68

winemakers’ notes Aromas of black cherry, berry
and dark chocolate fuse with smooth notes of vanilla
and spice. R ich and balanced on the palate, this wine
finishes with long, lingering flavors of cocoa, black fruits,
and vanilla. – Marcus Notaro, Resident Winemaker

vintners Col Solare is the partnership between two
influential wine producers who are recognized leaders
in their respective regions: Tuscany’s Marchesi Antinori
and Washington State’s Chateau Ste. Michelle. Col Solare,
Italian for “shining hill,” realizes the partners’ mission
to unite two unique viticultural and winemaking cultures
to produce an ultra-luxury Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine.

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