2002 Wilridge Wines

OUR WINES

Click on any year to learn more about a particular vintages of Wilridge Wine.

2004 | 2003| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997-Before

2002
2002 Nebbiolo di Klipsun, Red Mountain $19
Wilridge obtains all of the Nebbiolo grown at the prestigious Klipsun Vineyards in the Red Mountain Appellation of Washington State. Recently, Klipsun was named one of the top 25 vineyards in the world by Wine & Spirits magazine. Over the years, we have worked with vineyard manager Fred Artz to control the yields of this prolific vine through irrigation limitations, strict pruning regimens, and extensive green harvesting. The 2002 Nebbiolo is made entirely with the superior Lampeia clone from Piedmont.

Winemaking: The grapes were picked on October 30 at 26.7° brix, .81 TA and 3.31 pH. The grapes were hand harvested, delivered to the winery in a refrigerated truck, and hand sorted at the winery. The wine was aged for 16 months in 2 and 3 year old French-oak barrels. 122 cases were bottled May 5, 2004.

Wilridge Winemaker Paul Beveridge represented Washington State at the Consorzio di Nebbiolo in Valtellina, Italy, in 2004.

Winemaker Comments: “Nebbiolo is the most prized red grape variety in Northern Italy but is still relatively rare in the United States. In Italy, Nebbiolo is the vine behind the great Barolos and Barbarescos of the Piedmont region. Each year, my Nebbiolo comes closer and closer in style to its Italian counterparts, but with a distinctive Northwest fruitiness. When I was in Italy last winter, several Italian vintners who tried my Nebbiolo commented that it was very true to its varietal character and flavor. Try my Nebbiolo with your favorite Italian foods, especially any dish with truffles."

Tasting Notes: Brick red in color. The aroma is classic Nebbiolo, with violets and rose petals in the nose that seem to explode from the glass. The wine is both subtle and flavorful, with hints of tannins on the finish. It’s enjoyable young for the delicious fruit aromas, but also has the structure to age for several years.

Trivia: “Nebbiolo” is old Italian dialect for “Noble.” In Italy, Nebbiolo is called the “wine of kings.”

Status: Available

2002 Lodmell Vineyards Merlot $19
2002 Lodmell Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon $19
Lodmell Vineyards is a new vineyard planted by Andrew Lodmell at the urging of Wilridge Winemaker Paul Beveridge and Woodward Canyon Winemaker Rick Small. The vineyard is located high above the Snake River in Walla Walla County east of the Tri-Cities. The area is known locally as the “Banana Belt” due to its consistent sunshine, high temperatures, and lack of frost. Lodmell Vineyards is the first planting of European vinifera grapes in the Banana Belt, but the area has grown Concord grapes for many years.

Winemaking: The grapes were hand harvested on September 28 at 25.3° brix, .61 TA and 3.41 pH. The grapes were delivered to the winery in a refrigerated truck, hand sorted, and crushed into small open-top fermenters. The wine was aged for 19 months in brand new French-oak barrels. 195 cases were bottled May 5, 2004.

Winemaker Comments: “During my 16 years of making wine in Washington State, I have enjoyed exploring new ‘terroirs’ and discovering what they have to offer. I am very excited to be working with my friend Andrew Lodmell at his family’s new vineyard. The 2002 Merlot and 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon are the first single-vineyard designated wines to be produced from the Banana Belt area. In 2001, these wines were part of my popular Mélange blend, but this year I thought they were good enough to stand on their own.”

Tasting Notes: Deeply concentrated and purple, the Merlot exhibits black currants on the nose with notes of plum and cassis. It’s age-worthy Merlot with balanced tannins and a long, elegant finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon also has black currants on the nose (perhaps a defining characteristic of this new terroir?) but with hints of raspberry. The Cabernet is actually lighter than the Merlot, emphasizing soft tannins and finesse.

Status: Available

2003 Artz Vineyard Semillon, Red Mountain $16
Artz Vineyard is located next to the acclaimed Klipsun Vineyard on Red Mountain. Both vineyards are managed by Fred Artz, who has been working with Wilridge Winemaker Paul Beveridge since 1990. Over the years, Klipsun has paid Fred a bonus in land, which he has turned into his personal vineyard. Fred uses the experience he has gained at Klipsun to grow superb grapes at Artz Vineyard.

Winemaking: The grapes were hand harvested on September 12 at 24.3° brix, .60 TA and 3.25 pH. The grapes were delivered to the winery in a refrigerated truck, hand sorted, and gently pressed in whole clusters. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 6 months in brand new French-oak barrels. Twenty percent Sauvignon Blanc was added to make the final blend. 70 cases were bottled May 5, 2004.

Winemaker Comments: “Semillon may be Washington State’s best white varietal. The 2003 Artz Vineyard is my first white wine produced for sale. Because I am known for making big reds, I decided to make a serious, dry white wine with aging potential. I made this version in classic white Bordeaux style, including blending in 20% Sauvignon Blanc, and aging the in new French-oak barrels – just enough long enough to give it a hint of oak flavor. Malolactic fermentation was prevented to preserve the crisp acidity of the wine. It should gain in richness and flavor over the next two years. It’s a great seafood wine; please try with oysters or crab.

Tasting Notes: Classic gold in color, which will deepen with time. The flavors are dry and crisp, with hints of apple and honey dew melon with a touch of oak. Medium bodied, the wine will gain richness with a year or two of aging.

Status: Available

<>| Home | About | Our Wines | Winery Tour | Critic's Choice | Contact | Order |<>

Wilridge Winery 1416 34th Avenue Seattle, WA USA 206-325-3051 Email Us

©1999-2005 Wilridge Winery