• COMPOSITION: 92% Merlot, Gordon Bros. Estate, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, Gordon Bros. Estate & 3% Malbec, Gordon Bros. Estate
• pH: 3.83
• TA: 0.53g / 100 mL
• ALCOHOL: 13.7%
• PRODUCTION: 2,600 cases

VINTAGE
Blessed with another summer with lots of sunshine, our grapes matured beautifully. A late August cooling prolonged our harvest date by almost 3 weeks. The additional hang time gave us very nice flavors of black currant, chokecherry, blackberry and chocolate.

WINEMAKING
After picking, the Estate Grown Merlot was gently crushed into open top stainless steel fermentation tanks. The skins and juice were allowed to “cold soak” for a number of days prior to the addition of cultured yeast. This process creates darker colors and enhances the ripeness of flavors. After fermentation was completed, the finished wine was drawn off and the skins were pressed. The entire vintage was aged in small French and American oak barrels. Gentle racking of the barrels allowed for the removal of solids without filtration. After aging, a small amount of Gordon Brothers Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec were blended into the 2005 Merlot to add complexity to the wine.

WINEMAKER COMMENTS
Another classic Washington Merlot with rich aromas of black cherry, spice and rose petals. A deep ruby color signifies this bold Merlot with rich mouth-feel and smooth tannins. This is a great wine to pair with your favorite grilled meats.

AWARDS & REVIEWS

Wine Spectator - 91
- “Ripe and generous, a silky, plush-textured mouthful of red plum, raspberry, cream and coffee flavors that arch enticingly from the first sip through the long, round finish. Drink now through 2013.” -HS