2002 Merlot
Tasting Notes
Our 2002 Merlot is remarkably rich, plush, dense and concentrated. Intense black cherry, Italian plum, floral and dusky spice flavors mingle with touches of coffee, licorice, herb and earth scents. Full of flavor and body, this wine goes the distance with a long, elegant, persistent finish.
The Year
In 2002, Mother Nature smiled upon the Walla Walla Valley, blessing it with yet another — its fifth consecutive — exceptional growing season. Virtually no rain fell between
June and September, and the weather remained warm but not too hot. Most days, the temperature ranged in the mid to high 90s, and very few days reached above 100 degrees. This warm, dry weather facilitated uniform veraison, growth and ripening of the clusters. In our vineyards, grapes of all varieties ripened evenly and completely, culminating in a bountiful harvest of premium fruit. Our wines from this vintage are characterized by a warm, smooth tannin structure and pleasantly ripe, concentrated fruit flavors with an intense, brilliant color.
Viticulture
Entirely estate; Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe. Founding member of VINEA.
Wine Specifics
Varietals: 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec
Vineyards: 53% Pepper Bridge, 47% Seven Hills
Awards & Accolades
“The winery’s style is well -suited to Merlot in ripe years such as this, and it’s a very seductive wine. Nuances of pipe tobacco, dried herb, dust, coffee grounds and butterscotch complement the strawberry-cherry flavors of the Pepper Bridge fruit. Sophisticated and smooth, with plenty of tannic grip.”
– Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast
“Dense and peppery, a chewy mouthful of black cherry, dried currant and dusky spice flavors, finishing with grilled meat character.”
– HS, Wine Spectator
