2007 Merlot
Tasting Notes
Densely packed, luscious flavors of ripe raspberries, currants, and Italian plums explode in the palate of our 2007 Merlot. Hints of cinnamon and flower petals mingle with touches of dark chocolate. Rich layered and concentrated, this plush Merlot finishes with a core of dark red fruits and a long, persistent, velvety texture.
The Year
The 2007 vintage remind us a lot of 2005, which we considered both as a classic Washington Vintage. Bud break started around the third week in April, and very warm, sunny days filled the summer. We had plenty of heat units to fully ripen the grapes. Then the weather cooled off a little earlier than usual, dropping into the 80s around the end of August. This cooling-down period maximized flavor development. The 2007 wines express exceptional fruit intensity, remarkable natural acidity, and exquisite balance.
Viticulture
Entirely estate; Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe. Founding member of VINEA.
Wine Specifics
Varietals: 89% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyards: 55% Pepper Bridge, 45% Seven Hills
Awards & Accolades
“This classic merlot is roughly half Pepper Bridge Vineyard fruit and half Seven Hills Vineyard fruit. What is particularly striking is how it displays enticing floral aromas over deliciously thick fruit, with streaks of coffee, chocolate and forest floor delicately laid in. Complex and tight, it has the potential to cellar for at least a decade, maybe 15 years.”
– Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, 93 points
“Good full, deep red. Bridght aromas of cherry, cassis graphite, menthol and tobacco. Juicy, sweet and firm but not hard, with enticing primary fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry and currant complicated by a whiff of menthol. Turns tannic on the back end, cutting off the fruit. Give this structured Merlot a couple years in the cellar.”
– Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
