Goose Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon (3)

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

“Howdy, stranger.”

“I’m looking for my dog. I stopped on the side of the road to let him out, and he took off. I think he went up that way.”

“I ain’t seen yer pooch, friend. But if’n it ran yonder, you can quit yer searchin’. That up there’s Goose Ridge.”

“Goose Ridge?”

“Goose Ridge.”

“That doesn’t sound too scary.”

“Reckon it don’t. But ‘fraid I gotta tell you: Yer hound is dead.”

“Dead?”

“Dead.”

“Why? What’s up there?”

“Only a vineyard — “

“– That’s doesn’t sound too –“

“– Guarded by the most ferocious pack of Canada Geese this side of the Rio! Reckon they’ve already pecked yer pooch with’n their razor-beaks and a’flapped at ‘im with their wings.”

“Oh god…”

“Those beasts worship no sane god, friend. Those rich, dark cabernet grapes are to those geese what the apple was to Eve. Mmmhmmm.”

“If I get up there, I might stop them before they –“

“Don’t be a fool, stranger. Those geese’d spill yer guts before you even got a-hollerin’ to yer mutt. Let it go…”

“Oh, there he is! Good boy, Harold!”

“Hrmph. This old tin-can soothsayer’s gonna be right one of these days. Hooey.”

• Winemaker: Kendall Mix
• Appellation: Columbia Valley
• Blend: 100% Goose Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
• Total Acidity: .54g/100ml
• pH: 3.81
• Alcohol: 14.3%

Acclaimed winemaker Kendall Mix has his pick of the vineyard. Fermenting and aging wines in small lots from a handful of blocks carefully selected for their exceptional character and complexity is exactly what the Monsons had in mind for Goose Ridge when they founded the winery in 1999. 2008 was extremely hot early in the year into July. August cooled to the mid 80’s and created nearly perfect growing conditions. The canopy was de-leafed by hand to allow for proper sun exposure and berry ripening. We hand thinned the fruit to maximize uniformity and flavor concentration. This wine was aged for 22 months in 65% French oak and 35% American oak barrels. 40% new and 60% previously used.
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