2021 Watermill Columbia Valley Merlot
Vineyard Notes
This Merlot is sourced from the Columbia Valley, a region renowned for its exceptional terroir and ideal growing conditions for red varietals. The warm days, cool nights, and well-drained soils of the valley contribute to the rich and vibrant fruit character of the wine.
Harvest and Production
The 2022 Merlot was aged for 14 months in a combination of 22% new French oak barrels from premium coopers and the remainder in neutral oak barrels. This careful aging process enhances the wine’s structure and adds layers of complexity while allowing the fruit flavors to shine.
Terroir
The unique terroir of the Columbia Valley, with its warm climate and well-drained soils, plays a crucial role in the development of this Merlot. The region's conditions are perfect for producing grapes with intense and concentrated flavors, resulting in a wine with ripe plum and dark berry aromas and a hint of cocoa.
Tasting Notes
This Merlot is soft and easy to drink, offering a fruit-forward profile with gobs of ripe plum and fresh berries on the palate. The wine finishes with hints of cocoa and chocolate, creating a well-rounded and satisfying experience. The balanced acidity and refined tannins make this Merlot a delightful choice for any occasion.
Enjoyment
This Merlot is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, pasta dishes, and rich cheeses. Its fruit-forward profile and balanced structure make it an excellent companion for both casual and formal settings. Enjoy this wine now to appreciate its vibrant flavors and smooth finish.
All Watermill wines are hand picked late in seasons for maximum ripeness. They are then gently pressed in small volumes and undergo inoculated fermentation in 1 to 1.5 ton small lot fermenters. The wine sits on the skins for more than two weeks where it undergoes additional maceration through punch downs and pump overs for color and tannin integration before being transferred to barrel.
