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Columbia Valley Merlot

Columbia Valley Merlot Wine Details
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Description: The 2004 Columbia Valley Merlot is 100% Merlot The fruit was sourced from our vines at Andrews Horse Heaven Ranch in Horse Heaven Hills. It was aged in 70% French oak and 30% American oak for 14 months, 60% of the oak was new. The ideal consumption is 5 to 7 years from release date, but this wine will develop for another 10 years. The alcohol by volume is 15.5%. It was bottled January 17, 2006.

Varietal Definition
Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.


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