The Shiels family of Côte Bonneville fame also sell a portion of their grapes to some of Washington’s winemaking illuminati. That includes David O’Reilly, a longtime supporter of the Yakima Valley, going back to his days as an Oregon winemaker. It’s a classic expression of Washington Merlot in its theme of dark cherry, blackberry, cola and notes of rose petal. There’s harmony to the cassis acidity and ageworthy tannins that leave room for a sprinkling of cocoa in the finish.
Rating: Double gold medal – 96 points
Production: 110 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
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