Price: $32.00 

Club Price: $28.80

Cases Produced: 146

Release Date: November 2, 2007 

Alc.14.8% By Vol.

Blend

85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc

Growing Season

The 2005 growing season was characterized by a cool spring followed by a long warm summer with sun-filled days and cool evening temperatures. This difference between the daily highs and lows, found in Eastern Washington during the ripening season, allowed the grapes to develop rich, complex flavors while also retaining a balanced acidity. Our Syrah grapes were harvested Sept 29^th, 2005

Vineyards

Pepper Bridge Vineyard: Pepper Bridge is located in the center of the Walla Walla Valley. The grapes from this vineyard add a masculine quality to the wines. Tannins from these grapes give the wines a chewy structure. The fruit comes from a terraced block with a South West exposure. The Merlot that makes up 85% of this wine was sourced from this wonderful vineyard.

Phinny Hill Vineyard: Located in the Horse Heaven Hills, Phinny Hill is a great source for Bordeaux grape varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. Balance and structure are the signature notes from these grapes. The fruit character exemplifies the very best Washington state wines have to offer. Cabernet Sauvignon from Phinny Hill makes up 10% of this wine.

Lonesome Spring Ranch: Located on the East end of the Yakima Valley, it is ideally situated on the warm side of this AVA. Warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to reach full maturity while retaining acid in the grapes which helps to balance this wine. Malbec from this vineyard makes up 3% of this blend.

Seven Hills West Vineyard: Seven Hills is located in the South West corner of the Walla Walla Valley. Grapes produced at this site lean towards a more elegant style when vinified. Balanced acidity and fruit with velvety structure are typical from this vineyard. Cabernet Franc from Seven Hills makes up 2% of our Merlot.

Vinification

Grapes were hand picked, and sorted before being crushed, so only the finest fruit underwent fermentation. Select lots were pumped over during fermentation for gentle extraction of tannins and full fruit character. Post fermentation, aging was conducted in a combination of French and American Oak for 18 months, additional aging in bottle for 9 months before being released.

Barrel composition

32% New French Oak

32% New American Oak

36% Neutral French Oak

Tasting Notes

This wine is an elegant Merlot. It has a smooth finish and it is well balanced with red berry fruit and herbs.