2022 Reserve Merlot
Tasting Notes
Our 2022 Reserve Merlot is a full-bodied wine with inviting aromas of mocha, black cherry, and dark cassis, layered with hints of sweet plum and smoked vanilla bean. The palate is rich and well-structured, offering soft, refined tannins and balanced acidity. Concentrated flavors of blackberry and espresso unfold alongside subtle notes of salted caramel, adding depth and complexity. The finish showcases the wine’s elegant structure, lingering with impressions of dark chocolate and ripe dark berries. Enjoy now through 2040, with peak maturity expected around 2034.
Awards
2022 Vintage
91 points, Paul Gregutt
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2021 Vintage
92 Points, International Wine Report
92 points, Paul Gregutt
92 Points, Pacific NW Wine Competition
91 Points, Wine Enthusiast
91 Points, Vinous
90 Points, Jeb Dunnuk
90 Points, James Suckling
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2020 Vintage
92 Points, Paul Gregutt
Vineyard Designation
100% Estate Grown
Vintage Notes
The 2022 vintage in the Yakima Valley was a bit of a roller coaster. A mild winter extended into spring with early frost periods and winter-like conditions in April. The cool spring delayed bud break by a few weeks and caused delayed growth in the vineyard as we moved into summer. Each vineyard block was meticulously managed to ensure a ripe crop by harvest. We lowered clusters per vine and allowed for more sunlight exposure. By mid-July, temperatures finally started warming up and led to record growth in a short amount of time. Fortunately, warm summer temperatures extended into fall, helping to length- en the growing season and allowing the grapes to continue to ripen. Harvest ended up being delayed approximately three weeks from a typical year. We gratefully did not experience any fall frost events, so the grapes had extended hang time on the vines to achieve optimal ripeness and excellent flavor development. Overall, the 2022 vintage displays ripe flavors, bountiful fruit aromas, and balanced acidity. The wines can be enjoyed in their youth, or they can cellar for many years to come.
Winemaking Notes
Our 2022 Reserve Merlot is crafted from select Reserve-tier blocks within our Estate Vineyard through meticulous planning that begins in winter and continues through harvest. Each vine is managed for a minimal crop load to enhance concentration and ripeness. Harvested in early October, the grapes were destemmed but not crushed, optically sorted, and fermented in small vessels following a 48-hour cold soak and inoculation with three unique yeast strains. Early extraction techniques, including aerated pump-overs and délestage, were used to maximize color and flavor, then gently moderated to preserve balance. The wine was separated from the skins, gently pressed, and matured in French oak barrels (65% new, 35% neutral), completing malolactic fermentation and three months of lees stirring before aging approximately 22 months in French oak.
Food Pairing
Grilled Lamb Chops with Fresh Herbs
Beef Tenderloin and Grilled Vegetables
Roasted Chicken or Duck
Gruyere or Cantalet
- Varietal Composition: Merlot
- Appellation: Yakima Valley
- Aging / Barrel Program: 22 Months in 100% French Oak (77% New, 25% 1-3 Year)
- Cases Produced: 356 Cases
- Alcohol: 14.3
- pH: 3.85
- Acidity: 5.8g/L TA
- Ageability: Enjoy now through 2040, with optimal maturity in 2034.