2003 Red Mt. Melange
Wine Details
Appelation: Red Mountain
Vineyard(s):
Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc
Harvest Date:
Bottling Date:
Alcohol: 13.4%
Details: 24.5° brix / .68 TA / 3.47 pH
Retail Price: $29.00 / Cases:
Wilridge Winery
Winemaking
Wilridge winemaker Paul Beveridge is known for his single vineyard red wines, but in select vintages he produces his Melange - a blend of grapes from different vineyards that he thinks best reflects the characteristics of the vintage. The blend changes every year. In 2003, Paul took inspiration from the wines of Bordeaux and made a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc all from vineyards on Red Mountain in Eastern Washington. The component wines were each vinified separately and not blended until shortly before bottling after extensive tasting trials. Only 127 cases were produced.
Winemaker Comments
"I only make a Melange in years where I think there is more to the vintage than can be expressed solely by my single-vineyard bottlings. The 2003 Melange showcases Washington State's amazing Red Mountain Appellation - arguably the best area to grow red grapes in the State. I have been working with vineyards on Red Mountain since 1988. For the 2003 Melange I tried to make a Washington State version of a classic Bordeaux. I tamed the fruit with extensive barrel aging and created a refined and structured wine meant to last for years. Try it with grilled meats or roast beef." ~ P. Beveridge
Tasting Notes
Dark mahogany red in color. The 2003 Melange aroma is redolent of cassis and herbs. This wine exhibits good structure and the capacity to age for many years. Old world in style but still with the indelible mark of Red Mountain terroir.
Winery
Wilridge is a small family winery specializing in single vineyard wines from Washington State. The winery was founded in 1988 in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle. Owners Lysle Wilhelmi (Sales Manager) and Paul Beveridge (Winemaker) live near the winery with their sons Mack and Liam.
Philosophy
Wilridge's goal is to find the best vineyard sites in Washington State and hand make wines to bring out the unique characteristics of each vineyard's "terroir." We work with winegrowers who share our goal of producing the best possible wine without compromise. Each year, Wilridge wines highlight the characteristics of the vineyard and the vintage.