Canoe Ridge Vineyard closed their tasting room in July 2010 and the winery's future is unclear.

Avalon wine will keep previous vintage tasting notes on our site for reference.

Here's an excerpt of a press release from June 2010:

By Vicki Hillhouse, Walla Walla Union-BulletinMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News

June 17, 2010--The tasting room doors at one of Walla Walla's pioneer wineries will close late next month in a cost-cutting move by its London-based parent company.

Canoe Ridge Vineyard, a winery founded by local investors more than 20 years ago, will close the public tasting room at its 1905 Cherry St. Engine House on July 25, an employee confirmed. No further details could be disclosed. A call to California-based Director of Communications Maire Griffin was not returned for comment.

The tasting room is reportedly one of several from Washington to California facing closure by corporate parent company Diageo Plc, the international drinks giant that owns Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Captain Morgan and Jose Cuervo, among many others. Diageo announced last month plans to restructure its U.S. wine business, Diageo Chateau & Estate wines. Sales of the company's U.S. wines were reportedly socked by the recession and have been slow to recover.

Wine Press NW says: "One of Washington's top Merlot producers shows its stuff with this bright red. Excellent fruit-to-oak balance and nice elegance through the finish. Won gold at the Grand Harvest Awards."

From the winery: "...elegant, classic flavors of rich, velvety Canby raspberry, Bing and black cherry and Belgian chocolate."

100% Estate Merlot, made by Kevin Mott, who is now a winemaker at Woodward Canyon.

Wine Spectator says: "Light and open, with tangy cherry, cream and white pepper flavors, echoing softly, framed with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2006. 24,188 cases made." (HS)

This Merlot reveals Bing cherry and sweet Willamette raspberry aromas, offset by a floral undertone reminiscent of orange blossoms. The mouth is supple and velvety, and exhibits a fairly large structure with an excellent fruit-to-acid ratio. Bright cranberry acidity, plush blueberry and briar fruit along the palate open up for a long, chocolatey finish.