THE WINE
is warm, dense wine is a ne example of why Washington has been recognized as an exceptional Merlot-producing region. e 2004 vintage shows intense aromas of plum and bright berry with a touch of vanilla and graham from the oak aging. A big, well-balanced Merlot, it oers avors of fresh black cherry fruit and ripe berry, with cocoa and cinnamon highlights and a warm, spicy nish. e wine has excellent depth and pairs well with hearty meat dishes such as barbecued pork ribs or glazed ham.

VINTAGE AND VINEYARDS
A hard freeze in January 2004 was cause for alarm and there were expectations that up to half the vintage would be lost. With skillful viticulture and much thanks to Mother Nature we still ended up meeting our crop goals for the year. A warm spring was followed by a warmer than normal summer. An early harvest was expected but cool weather in the beginning of September slowed development and allowed for a relatively normal harvest. Dry weather in late September and October allowed for
extended hang time and excellent ripening. Merlot makes up 78% of the blend with Syrah (12%) contributing bright fruit avors, Cabernet Sauvignon (8%) adding structure and Lemberger (2%)