Winemaker: Chris Peterson
Region: Red Willow Vineyard, Yakima Valley AVA, Washington We've only worked with Merlot this one year and that was because we had a killer combination. Chris was the winemaker at Delille Cellars for many years (and now owns Avennia in Woodinville) and we tasted several barrels of Red Willow Merlot with him. This is one of my favorite vineyards in the state and might be the best Merlot site we have. The vines were planted in 1989 and 1990 and the fruit is dark, rich and concentrated. The wines was aged for 18 month in French oak (33% new) so along with the dark plum and blackberry notes there is vanilla, cinnamon and toffee. The tannins are firm and the finish is long. This is a world class Merlot that will surprise many of you. Smooth and decadent.