Growing Conditions
Glacier Ridge takes a studied minimalist approach in the vineyard; all weed control is manual and allows for some non-grape vegetation for competition as well as insect biodiversity. Crop sizes are subsequently lower as a result, with a notable difference in increased ripening capability of the grapes.
Harvest
Continuing the trend of a very wet growing season, September and October continued to receive more rainfall than usual. Vineyard health and fruit development were closely monitored. Pick dates were scheduled in between rain events to allow the vines to dry out and concentrate flavors and sugars prior to harvesting.
Winemaking
All the fruit was lightly crushed and placed into welch bins for cold soaking with 100% stem inclusion. Moderate SO2 and tannin additions were added to the must. Following a three day cold soak at 45F, the grapes were warmed up and allowed to spontaneously ferment. At completion of alcoholic fermentation the wine was left on skins for three weeks, sealed under a dry ice blanket for cap health with occasional light punch-downs. The wine was then pressed off through the basket press and barreled down. Upon completion of malolactic fermentation, the wine was sulfured and topped regularly to maintain freshness. The wine was kept in puncheons to allow for maximum tannin integration until just after the following vintage, at which point it was racked and bottled unfined and unfiltered
