From the winery: "Dark and unusually rich, this Merlot is more complex than most because of the cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon blended into it. The result shows sweet cherry, vanilla and spice, and hints of anise and chocolate combined in a velvety package."
Detailed Info, Previous Vintage Notes, Reviews:
The Wine Deep in color, the wine's aromas open up with rich black cherry, blackberry,
cedar, and tobacco notes with hints of leather. Luxurious fixit on the
palate; ripe, round tannins; and a long, elegant finish make this a
truly enticing, delicious wine. The Grapes
Blended from five different vineyards throughout the Yakima and Columbia
valleys, the final blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Appellation
The Columbia Valley appellation recognizes an area of the Columbia Basin
stretching from The Dalles, Oregon, north through Washington to Lake
Roosevelt, and east to the Idaho border. The area is characterized by
low rainfall, long daylight hours during the growing season, and sandy
loam soil. The Vintage
Early February 1996 an Arctic air mass moved into the state dropping
temperatures as low as minus 20?F. Few vineyards escaped damage, while
some were completely destroyed, resulting in less than half the normal
state wine crop. A cool, wet spring and fall slowed
maturity. Fortunately, the small crop generally made for adequate ripening,
resulting in wines with Washington's typically forward fruit character. The Winemaking
Gentle processing of intensely flavored grapes, relatively short fermentation
time, two years of aging in select barrels, and egg-white fining were
keys to producing this outstanding example of Washington Merlot. Food Pairings
Excellent with red meats and red-sauced foods. Try it with lamb chops
flavored with garlic and rosemary or rib eye steak grilled to perfection
then covered with mushrooms saut?ed with a small amount of Apex Merlot. Production
1,011 cases
