Pepper Bridge 2019 Merlot
The blend here includes 15% Cabernet Franc and 8% Malbec, and all grapes are estate-grown, though principally sourced from estate vineyards on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla valley. This is a fragrant, lightly earthy, smooth, dark-fruited, almost silky wine. The tannin management is especially impressive, as Merlot can often be a bit wimpy, and here it's built upon a firm tannic foundation. Interesting sidenote: Pepper Bridge is adjacent to Northstar, the Ste. Michelle property that was originally founded and dedicated to making Merlot. Must be something in the water that favors Merlot.
772 cases; 14.5% (Walla Walla)
