
The 2022 harvest was the second year that winemaker Matías Kúsulas worked with Desert Wind Vineyard fruit on behalf of the Lawrence and Merkle families, who purchased the plantings, the brand, the production facility and the Prosser destination from the Fries family. He produced two rosés under the Desert Wind brand in 2022, and this effort with Merlot is rather fascinating, starting with its pale salmon wardrobe. One might wonder if this was made with Cabernet Franc rather than Merlot as its aromas speak of strawberry/rhubarb, loganberry and celery leaf. There’s pleasing weight on the palate, and in some ways it comes across more as a red wine. It’s fruity yet bone-dry, hinting at raspberry compote on toast, joined by solid acidity and more crushed leaf, a combination that makes for a long and food-friendly finish.
Rating: 90 points — Excellent
Production: 230 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
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