Varietal Composition

83% Merlot 15% Cabernet Franc 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyard Sources

Artz Vineyard Ciel du Cheval – Red Mountain Alder Ridge – Horse Heaven Hills Elephant Mountain – Yakima Valley

Cases Produced

424

Barrel Treatment

60% French, Demptos and Seguin Moreau 40% American, Demptos

Alcohol

13.5%

Total Acidity

.66

pH

3.62

Filtration

Unfiltered/unfined

Production
After harvest, these grapes were cold-soaked for 3-4 days depending upon lot. The wine was fermented to dryness after inoculation with a proprietary yeast blend. One hundred percent free-run juice was then added to barrel, where it was aged for approximately 32 months before bottling. An additional 3 months of bottle age was given to this wine prior to release.

Tasting Notes
As is typical of many Merlots hailing from Red Mountain, this Merlot may fool you with its assertive Cabernet character. Not for the faint of heart, this wine is voluptuous and powerful while retaining smooth tannins and a finish that seems to go on and on. Enjoyable now, this wine will continue to age gracefully for 10-15 years.