2016 Merlot
Tasting Notes
This vintage brings subtle hints of deep plum, black cherry and savory notes. Tea leaves and pencil shavings usher in dusty notes with earthy undertones to the wine. Bright raspberries with darker threads of blueberries abound on the palate, followed by cherry pie, mocha and spice. A velvet mouthfeel and structured tannins make for a long, dark finish and an age-worthy 2016 Merlot.
The Year
The 2016 vintage was full of surprises, starting with the warmest April on record. Bud break happened two weeks early at the beginning of April with increasing temperatures and maturation through May and June. Temperatures peaked in early June, followed by rains in July that brought cooler weather. This allowed the vineyards to slow down and pushed harvest closer to average pick times. With the warm start and long cool finish, picking started in late August and finished by mid-October, just before a long spell of rain. The cool summer months resulted in the beautiful aromatics and elegant mouthfeel that are key elements of wines from the Walla Walla Valley.
Viticulture
Entirely estate; Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe. Founding member of VINEA.
Wine Specifics
Varietals: 78% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec
Vineyards: 53% Seven Hills, 33% Pepper Bridge, 14% Octave
Awards & Accolades
92 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
“It’s ripe, sexy, and layered on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness, and is a ripe, plump, pleasure-bent Merlot that’s well worth your time and money.”
90 Points, James Suckling | Vinous | Wine & Spirits
