2020 Estate Merlot
Walla Walla Valley
100% Estate Woodward Canyon, 100% Merlot
In Stock
Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Walla Walla Valley
Aging
This wine is generous and balanced enough to enjoy now, yet has the complexity and structure to age well for six years or more.
Bottling Date
May 13, 2022
Alcohol %
14.8
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
This wine shows beautifully, with rich high toned fruit, balanced acidity and great proportion. Enticing notes of black cherry, spiced oak, and leather come forth on the nose. A full-bodied mouthfeel leads to complex flavors of black fruit, mocha and earth.
Vineyard Notes
Planted in 1977, Woodward Canyon is the westernmost vineyard in Walla Walla Valley AVA, roughly 15 miles west of Walla Walla, Washington. There are 41 vineyard acres planted and several more acres of green belts that support native species such as western juniper, ponderosa pine, western sagebrush, arrowleaf, balsamroot, and perennial wildflowers. Ritzville silt loam over fractured basalt, slope 15-18%, 750-850ft elevation. Managed by Woodward Canyon. All grapes are Salmon Safe certified as is the wine.
Production Notes
This 2020 Walla Walla Valley Estate Merlot was produced from grapes grown at Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard (Salmon Safe certified) at the western edge of the Walla Walla Valley. The mature south-facing “old vine” vineyard block (Clone 3) is now 25 years of age. The newer Merlot block (Clone 181) is younger but very impressive. 2020 was a warm/dry vintage with Estate Merlot blocks yielding lower than normal ranging from 1.6 - 2.6 tons per acre.
Food Pairing Notes
Pair with your favorite roasted pork tenderloin or roasted chicken.
Production
Varietal Composition: 100% Merlot
Other Notes
Case Production: 397 cases