Aromas of vanilla bean, coffee bean, and mocha introduce this classic Merlot. Dark chocolate covered cherries, caramel and nutmeg flavors meld with silky tannins and create a long and elegant finish. -Juan Munoz Oca, Winemaker - 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
A perfect ripening season with full crop yields and restrained sugar levels led to outstanding wines from Washington state's vineyards in 2008. Harvest began 10 days later than normal due to cool spring weather and amoderate summer. Hot weather in August provided ideal ripening conditions for grapes across all varietals and harvest was quickly ramped up in order to obtain fruit at the optimum ripeness.
WS 89 - Best Value, On the lighter side, this graceful red shows pretty cherry and sage flavors that linger against velvety tannins. Shows deft balance and a sense of harmony. Drink now through 2013. 204,000 cases made. -HS Wine Spectator, 89 Points