2016 Merlot

Description

Tasting Notes

A rich dark ruby red color greets you. Spicy notes of dried currant, oak and herbal goodness. The flavors expand over the palate. Rich red fruits and toasted cocoa flavors mingle with oak. The finish is long and lingering.  

Vineyard Designation

Coyote Canyon Vineyard – Horse Heaven Hills AVA

Vineyard Notes

2016 was a warm vintage in Washington State which resulted in an early harvest overall. In the spring, we had lots of wet weather that helped with the early season growth. The sun was out and shining through Summer, but temperatures never got over 100 degrees. There was some smoke in the air but instead of causing problems it helped mitigate some of the heat. Because the season was very warm without extreme highs the grapes ripened without being stressed. 

Winemaking

This is only the 2nd Merlot we have released from Coyote Canyon Winery and it has won numerous best of varietals at competitions. It makes me proud to have a wine consistently be recognized by our peers as one of the best of its varietal. 

This wine is rich and smooth. It is everything a great Merlot should be. The oak accentuates the fruit and adds depth to the wine.  Drink now or age for the next decade, this wine is sure to please.

Awards

Best of Class – 2019 Savor North West, 94 pts Best Merlot – 2019 Sommelier Challenge 2019, Best of Class Sunset International Wine 2019, Gold 2019 San Francisco Wine Awards