2015 Merlot

I reduced my merlot production due to a slow down in sales.  This was very disappointing to me because I love merlot.  I am still using Blocks 33 E and Block 6 in Seven Hills Vineyard East. Sadie Drury does a wonderful job with this vineyard.  In the tannic Pepper Bridge Vineyard manager Tom Waliser selects the prime fruit for me just before harvest.  I trust him without hesitation.  He is the man!  At Wallula, Dan Nicklaus does a near perfect job delivering the balance we need.

We soak it on the skins for twenty days.  This makes a remarkable phenolic difference.  Gone are the days of Sideways craze.  Merlot is back.