The Claar-Whitelatch family seized upon the early opportunity to harvest its Merlot during warm 2013 vintage, picking from its Salmon-Safe and estate White Bluffs Vineyard on Sept. 5. Barrel aging for 18 months makes for a dense nose of dusty blueberry and Marionberry with brown sugar, black pepper, Graham cracker and a whiff of wild game. Inside, it’s definitely a Washington Merlot with its burly, blueberry skin tannins, yet backed by Bing cherry and chocolate-covered pomegranate. There’s plenty of acidity to extend its life well into the next century.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 111 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
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