Nose

Pure Merlot from Walla Walla can be so stunning, and I feel this wine shows off all the varietal’s strengths. The nose leads with complex spice, ripe fruits including strawberries, raspberries, and other bramble fruits, and has background aromas of mint, pine, white pepper, and juniper berries. Searching harder, there’s just a hint of earthy mushroom or forest floor that I really love.

Palate

It is deeply lush, soft, and packed with caramel, vanilla, fruit, and chocolate on the palate. Its tannin and acid are in perfect balance and will help this wine age for at least ı5 years, though it is already drinking wonderfully.

Winemaking

2008 is a spectacular vintage. Our various Merlot grapes from different vineyards and blocks show so well individually that the final blend ended up being comprised of 100% Merlot. The last time we had a 100% Merlot was in the remarkable vintage of 2000, and that wine is still drinking beautifully—speaking to the stand-alone capabilities of Merlot. I’d be proud to serve this wine blind against any straight Merlot from anywhere in the world, including Pomerol.