2000 Merlot
Tasting Notes
The 2000 Pepper Bridge Winery Merlot is bright, featuring deep flavors of cherry, cassis and violet with an intriguing hint of roasted coffee, spice and a bit of licorice. The wine shows our trademark elegant style with a firmly sculpted framework of acid and polished tannins.
The Year
The 2000 vintage was like that rare child who gives no trouble as a youth and matures to do great things as an adult. The spring weather was clear and calm for bloom and we had one burst of very warm weather in late July that set the vines up perfectly for veraison and ripening. Veraison started about August 6 and harvest began with Merlot at Seven Hills Vineyard on September 20 and finished with Cabernet Sauvignon
at Pepper Bridge Vineyard on October 16. The perfect growing
season gave the Walla Walla Valley a generous Merlot that is very approachable now but should age longer than you would normally expect from Merlot.
Viticulture
Entirely estate; Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe. Founding member of VINEA.
Wine Specifics
Varietals: 95.7% Merlot, 4.3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyards: 47.8% Pepper Bridge, 52.2% Seven Hills
Awards & Accolades
“Aromas of currant, raspberry, mocha and smoky oak. Fat and warm in the mouth, with plum, cedar and mineral flavors.”
– Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
“Bright and juicy, not a big wine, lively with blueberry, currant and subtle mint flavors, which echo on the refined finish. Drink now through 2006.”
– Wine Spectator
