Basel Cellars Merriment Estate Red 07

This gorgeous Bordeaux-style blend is deep red in color, and has a plush, velvety texture. Citrus, candy and earthy aromas are evident. Smooth strong tannins structure the huge flavors of black cherry, vanilla, and smoke, setting the wine up for cellaring. Their top of the line red, made from the best barrels of the best sections of Walla Walla’s Pheasant Run Vineyard.

Merriment is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Aged 18 months in French Oak, this wine is a classic Bordeaux blend. Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot.

Basel Cellars offers the rental of its world class resort and spa to members of its wine club. The owners compare the facility to venerable American lodges like Yosemite’s Awahnee Lodge and Mary Colter’s Bright Angel Lodge at the Grand Canyon.

Justin Basel, co-founder of Walla Walla’s budding Young Guns Wine Society, developed an enjoyable blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc that will especially please folks who appreciate French oak influences. Pie cherry, cranberry, lime and crushed leaf aromas nearly get lost amid the whiffs of molasses and bacon. Flavors feature black currants, maraschino cherry and milk chocolate, backed by notes of candied ginger, minerality and coconut chai in the finish. - Andy Perdue

Previous Vintage Tasting Notes

2004 Vintage Tasting Notes

From the winery: "Ode to Merriment" is a tribute to our Merriment, our Walla Walla Valley Proprietary Blend. Due to the freeze, our Estate Vineyard Pheasant Run Vineyards did not produce in 2004. Our goal was to find the very best fruit possible. This wine was aged for 18 months, 65% new french oak, 35% two year old barrels. It is aromatic and ripe with a rich and dense mouthfeel. Scents and flavors of cherries, plums, cedar and espresso. It finishes with long, silky tannins. This is a wine that will reward you for the next 8 to 10 years.

Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot

Vineyards: Cold Creek, Lewis, Canoe Ridge, Chelle Den Millie and Destiny Ridge