Wines
Details at a Glance
Blend: 94% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc
Appelation: Columbia Valley
Vineyards: Merlot: 50% Boushey Vineyard Home Block (Yakima Valley) & 44% Stonetree Vineyard (Wahluke Slope); Cabernet Franc: 6% Weinbeau (Wahluke Slope)
Bottled: April 10th, 2012
Acidity: 0.66g/ 100mL
Ph: 3.70
Barrel Regime: 70% French, 30% American; 35% New, 65% Used
Total Production: 185 Cases
Prices: $30/bottle $324/case
2009 Merlot
After a very hot and dry 2009 summer, September's even, warm temperatures helped balance the sugars with the acids and allow phenolic ripeness to occur. Colors in black grape varieties were deep, while tannins developed quickly.
Our 2009 Merlot has the strength of a gold-standard season with an impressive spicy nose showing brambleberry and balsam. There is little oak influence to mar the purity of the vintage and the strong material is the combination of the warmer Walhuke Slope (Stonetree & Weinbau) bringing depth and power while the cooler Yakima (Boushey) terroir imparts fresh and bright berry flavors. The resulting mouthfeel is vibrant and exuberant with impressive dark fruit and texture. While perfectly enjoyable now (with 2-4 hours of decant time), this wine will be long lasting and we advise laying it down for another 3-5 years to enjoy the evolution.
Try our 2009 Merlot with grilled pork tenderloin or a marinated flank steak for the ultimate experience!
Santé!
Marie-Eve Gilla ~ Winemaker
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