Thoughts of Gordy Venneri staying retired from winemaking were dashed when members of his extended family encouraged the Walla Walla Vintners co-founder to help oversee the project launched by the late Dick Neher, a former state legislator and longtime principal at Walla Walla High. Venneri brought Bunchgrass winemaker Roger Cockerline out of retirement, too, and their teamwork on this Merlot from stately Sagemoor vines resulted in the Neher’s family’s first Platinum. It’s a big delivery of black currant and Bing cherry that shows remarkable integration considering the youthfulness of the black tea tannins. A trail of cranberry sauce and dark chocolate combine for a long finish. A few bottles from these tiny lots are available in the Clay in Motion Pottery Studio gift shop in Milton-Freewater, Ore. Qualifying award: Bellingham NW Wine Competition (double gold)
Rating: Platinum • 95 points
Production: 70 cases
Alcohol: 14.9%
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