Dumas Station Wines 2012 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $32
Washington State University agronomy grad Jay DeWitt and golfing buddy Doug Harvey have just entered their second decade of grape growing and winemaking at their boutique operation in the historic Walla Walla Valley town of Dayton. Their assemblage with Cabernet Franc (17%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) from Minnick Hills, Birch Creek and Nostra Terra vineyards spent 16 months in primarily neutral oak, creating deep aromas of dark cherry and mint chocolate with toasted almonds and filberts. It’s rich and juicy with the blending of flavors akin to black cherry, dark plum and more chocolate. This earned a gold medal at the 2014 Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 250 cases
Alcohol: 14.9%
I would like to add that the 2011 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot is also outstanding, especially at its price point.