Named for the patron saint of winemakers in the Bordeaux community of Saint-Émilion, a 1986 planting of Merlot by Dick Boushey in some of the Yakima Valley’s rockiest soil forms the base (86%) of this Right Bank-style blend by Woodinville vintner Chris Peterson, which he rounds out with Cabernet Franc from acclaimed Champoux Vineyard. The next step of 20 months in 40% new French oak creates the nose of dried strawberry, blueberry and dried Montmorency cherry with cocoa powder, caramel and hay. Inside, there’s a rich entry of Marionberry and plum that’s stretched across focused tannins with blueberry acidity, which lead to a tasty finish of black currant, toast and espresso. It’s the smallest red wine production by Peterson and Marty Taucher, and there’s a long life ahead. Seek this at wine merchants, grocers and the winery’s website.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 167 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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