Powers Merlot 2018, Columbia Valley Washington

2017 vintage – 95% Merlot, 5% Carmenere. 84% Goose Ridge Merlot, Columbia Valley. 11% Champoux Vineyard Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills. 5% Kiona Vineyard Carmenere, Red Mountain Vineyard. Washington is known for having world class Merlot, and this bottling is no exception. “The Goose Ridge Vineyard Merlot was fermented in a stainless-steel upright fermenter while the Champoux Cabernet and Kiona Carmenere were fermented in our rotary fermenter to manage the tannin structure from these particular vineyard sites. We used PDM yeast on all lots then
completed malolactic fermentation in French Oak Barrels. Jose then aged 30% of the blend in 2nd use French Oak barrels, 60% in 3rd fill, with the other 10% in new French Oak barrels for 32 months. Tasting notes: Diverse layered aromatics of dark cherry, blackberries, and elegant floral notes lead into a touch of lavender and graphite on the nose. With dense flavors of cassis, dark cherry, dark
plum and fennel seed that linger on the complex palate, this wine has round and approachable tannins that are balanced by a nice touch of oak and mineral on the finish.