Pepper Bridge Winery Walla Walla Merlot 09

Review:

Bright aromas of cherries, blackberries, boysenberries and plums intertwine with notes of spice, cedar and crushed gravel. Silky tannins introduce smooth, full flavors of Bing cherries, cassis, dark chocolate and cola. Layers of spiciness and mouthwatering acidity linger throughout the lengthy finish.

2008 Vintage Tasting Notes

2008 Wine Advocate - 91+ points - Asian spices, incense, violets, cassis, and black cherry lead to a wine with a solid core of savory fruit, plenty of structure, and excellent balance. It will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well through 2023. - Jay Miller

Inviting aromas of wildflowers growing along a dusty, gravely road mingle with bright notes of red cherries, raspberries, blackberries, and boysenberries. A rich, silky mouthfeel with a plush mid-palate delivers rounded flavors of mixed berries and hints of exotic spices, cedar and cola. The long persistent finish intertwines layers of sophisticated complexity, velvety tannins, and an appetizing level of acidity. - the winery

2007 Vintage Tasting Notes

Densely packed, luscious flavors of ripe raspberries, currants, and Italian plums explode in the palate of our 2007 Merlot. Hints of cinnamon and flower petals mingle with touches of dark chocolate. Rich, layered and concentrated, this plush Merlot finishes with a core of dark red fruits and a long, persistent, velvety texture. - the winery

2006 Vintage Tasting Notes

Our 2006 Merlot is densely packed with luscious, intense flavors of ripe currants, black cherries and Italian plum. Hints of Asian spices and floral notes mingle with touches of chocolate mousse, nutmeg, cinnamon and earth scents. Rich, layered and concentrated, this plush Merlot finishes with a smooth, refined elegance. - Jean-François Pellet, Winemaker

2005 Vintage Tasting Notes

2005 Wine Spectator - 92 points - Bright and zingy, with layer upon layer of jazzy blackberry, cherry, subtle oak tones and finely tuned tannins, finishing with a light tobacco note, ultimately long and elegant with well-mannered power. Drink now through 2010. 999 cases made. - H.S.

Wine Press NW rating "Outstanding"! Big and plush. Hearty, complex, velvety, with meaty, muscular firmness. Good match for steak on the grill.

Wine Spectator says: "What Washington Merlot should be-bright and zingy, with layers of jazzy blackberry, cherry, subtle oak tones and finely tuned tannins. French winemaker Jean-Francois Pellet gets it to finish with a light tobacco note; long and elegant, with wellmannered power. Drink now through 2010. - H.S."