THE WINE
Our Reserve wines are sourced from the best vineyard lots for aging in our finest oak barrels. Our 2015 vintage Merlot opens with wild
strawberry, cherry, blueberry, and dark, meaty plum aromas. The wine is rich and weighty with great structure, nicely integrated oak, and flavors of black cherry, raspberry, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Pair with grilled steak, lamb stew, or curried lentils and wild rice.

THE VINTAGE AND VINEYARDS
The warm, dry conditions led to the grapes ripening fully and developing the excellent varietal flavors expected from Washington state Merlot. The 2015 Reserve Merlot is mainly from the Elephant Mountain vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA, a well-respected vineyard on a high slope.  We blended this with Syrah from Roskamp vineyard at Snipes Mountain.  This created a rich, spicy, elegant Merlot with deep color and intense flavors and aromas.

THE WINEMAKING
The grapes were harvested during the day to build heat from the sun for warm, effective macerations. After being destemmed and crushed, the fruit macerated in stainless steel tanks. The wine was first racked off of primary fermentation yeast lees and then off malolactic lees. All of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel and spent 18 to 22 months aging.

THE NUMBERS
Harvest Dates: September 9–11, 2015
Appellation: Rattlesnake Hills, Snipes Mountain
Varietal Percentages: 86% Merlot, 14% Syrah
Brix at Harvest: 27.5°
Residual Sugar: 0.16g/L
TA: 6.1g/L
pH: 3.69
Alcohol: 14.5%
Case Production: 316-6 pack cases