2013 Merlot
2013 Merlot
Varietal: 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
AVA: Yakima Valley
Vineyards: Elephant Mountain Vineyard
Production Notes: Aged in 100% French Oak (37.5% new) for 20 months, alcohol 14.5% at bottling.
Description: Aromas of cherry cola, toasty oak, clove, and anise. Flavors of cherry, strawberry, minerals, and a lengthy finish.
2024 Winemaker Notes: Washington Merlot is hugely under appreciated. While the critics, and the winemakers (myself included) love Washington Merlot's, many still shy's away from this wine. I believe even today, this largely due to the effect the 2004 movie Sideways had on the varietal. The main character refused to drink Merlot. However, the wine he praises as his favorite, though they did not mention this detail in the movie, was a Merlot based blend. Merlot sales tanked 60% in less than a year and still have not fully recovered. Personally I am not a huge fan of California Merlot's, I don't like the aftertaste many of them have, and none, even the most highly sought after really stand up to a good Washington vintage. So if you are one of those who have avoided Merlot or a if you are a fan, give this one a chance, you will be very happy you did.
Wine Profile
| Vintage | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Merlot |
| Size | 750 ml |