GOOSE RIDGE VINEYARDS 2019 Cougar VIII Red Wine

GOOSE RIDGE ESTATE VINEYARDS AND WINERY is a family-owned and operated winery dedicated to limited production, handcrafted wines from estate-grown grapes. The Monson family’s vineyard is planted on a south-facing slope in Washington’s Columbia Valley adjacent to Red Mountain that consistently yields rich, ripe grapes. The family has farmed in the Columbia Valley for four decades and is known for their commitment to quality. Goose Ridge Vineyard is built on that tradition. VINEYARD When the family decided to plant grapes on a sun-drenched hill adjacent to Red Mountain, they did so under the guidance of Dr. Walter Clore, considered by many the “father” of the Washington wine industry. Dr. Clore was impressed by the site’s gentle, south-facing slope and the growing area’s warm temperatures. He encouraged the Monsons to plant vineyard rows north-to-south to maximize sun exposure, and he also advised the family to plant the site in small blocks to facilitate estate-grown wines managed for low yields through careful pruning and thinning practices. As a result of the vineyard’s attention to detail, grapes ripen evenly and the wines are consistently ripe, rich, and fruit-forward. The 2019 vintage was surprising and challenging, but also presented wonderful opportunities to make compelling, memorable wines. The winter was initially mild, but late and heavy snowfall delayed the start of the growing season. Spring was moderately cool and wetter than average. Summer was similarly cooler than average with few days exceeding 95'F, even during the typically hot months of July and August. Harvest began several weeks later than average, but the fruit had a sense of tension and freshness not seen in warmer years (early-ripening varieties such as and benefited most). Temperatures dropped significantly by late September and an early frost on October 9th and 10th considerably affected later-ripening varieties. The harvest tempo increased to bring fruit into the winery as quickly as possible to preserve fruit freshness. As a notably cooler vintage (reminiscent of 2011), the resulting wines will require more time and maturation for complete development, but promise significant age-ability and complexity. WINEMAKING The grapes for this blend were hand-harvested and gently processed into small vessels for fermentation. Fermentations were managed to regulate the development of concentrated flavors and soft tannins. The wines were aged 24 months in 85% French oak and 15% American oak barrels (85% new) selected to express the beautiful fruit supported by a nuanced oak character. WINEMAKER’S TASTING NOTES COMPOSITION: 38% Mourvedre, 19% , 16% This red blend shows expressive, fresh red fruit aromas (such as , 15% Petit Sirah, 8% cherry, red plum, and raspberry) complimented by a sweet Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet toasty notes of cocoa, vanilla, coconut, and a hint of creme Sauvignon anglaise. The palate is full, fresh showing notes of ripe cherries APPELLATION: 100% Estate, 100% Columbia Valley and plums. The mid palate is juicy and ripe with intense fruit TA: 0.65 g/100ml flavors. A lively spiciness picks up on the back palate and leads into a long finish showcasing mixed, wild berries alongside a PH: 3.66 lifting minerality. ALCOHOL: 14.2% v/v