Merlot is a workhorse grape in Washington and British Columbia, and this Naramata Bench winery’s work with Blue Terrace Vineyard fruit shows that Merlot also can become a beautiful red wine in the hands of talented winemakers. Vineyard manager Andy Marsel established these plantings with clone 181, which stems from Pomerol. Two years in a combination of French and American oak creates hugely floral barrel tones of vanilla bean, saffron and horehound with dark plum and cigar box. Supple and silky tannins arrive early with a slow and long buildup of black cherry, blueberry and pomegranate flavors.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 1,178 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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