This 2003 Columbia Valley Merlot is produced from grapes grown at some of the finest vineyards in Washington State. These include Woodward Canyon Estate and Pepper Bridge in the Walla Walla Valley, Klipsun on Red Mountain and Sagemoor and Champoux in the Columbia Valley. Merlot ripened beautifully in 2003 producing a wine of great concentration and expression.
This Merlot was pumped over and punched down by hand two to three times per day in small stainless steel tanks. After pressing settling and racking the various lots were moved to mostly new French barrels for aging and maturation. Following final racking the wine was assembled and bottled in April of 2005, then laid down in our cellars for additional development.
The 2003 vintage was the warmest vintage on record for Washington State. The wine shows extraordinary complexity, definition and focus. The ability to blend with such fantastic vineyards has produced a red wine where the purity of Washington merlot simply explodes in the mouth! Firm mature tannins give this wine it's backbone; it will require some patience. I absolutely love the proportion of this wine and though it may be consumed now it will show even better with a year or so of bottle age.
"June 15, 2006 Ripe and peppery, with a smoky edge to the generous cherry, plum and licorice flavors, lingering effectively on the round finish. Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2010."
Reviewer: Wine Spectator
Reviewer Publication: Wine Spectator
Review: 93 points
"March 2006 Brilliant ruby red hue. Black cherry, charcoal, tar and black mint aromas. Medium-full to full-bodied, this has an explosion of black cherry fruit, a generous mid-palate and a beautifully structured finish with youthful tannins, ample, but nicely integrated oak and lively acidity. Meant for the cellar. Cellar Selection"
Lowden, Washington 99360
