14 Hands Merlot

Measuring a modest fourteen hands in height, a “hand” equivalent to the width of one’s palm, these tenacious horses would travel down from the hills every day to drink from the mighty Columbia River and graze along the riverbank. Our wines are made to be smooth and fruit-forward, yet bold and complex, making approachable, easy-drinking wines that taste amazing.

VINTAGE NOTES

2018 was another stellar growing season and vintage in Washington. Warm spring temperatures were followed by milk conditions throughout the growing season allowing for extended hang time and flavor development. Warm fall days allowed for full ripeness, while cool Washington nights helped maintain crisp natural acidity.

VINEYARD NOTES

The Columbia Valley’s unique and ideal conditions create grapes with both rich flavors and crisp acidity. Columbia Valley receives only 1/3 (6” to 10”) the annual rainfall vines need requiring drip irrigation, which leads to more flavorful grapes. Warmer sites yield blue fruit flavors and acidity while warmer sites add black fruit flavors and refined tannins.

WINEMAKING NOTES

The fruit was fermented between 7-10 days in customized stainless-steel fermenters built to produce our fruit-forward style. A small portion of the wine was aged in new oak to provide a subtle oak taste.

TASTING NOTES

14 Hands Merlot is a round, structured wine features a rich purple color with ruby hues. Ripe aromas of dark and red fruits. The palate is soft and approachable, showcasing flavors of blackberry, plum, cherry and mocha. The finish is well balanced between fruit and acidity. Pair 14 Hands Merlot with BBQ ribs, burgers or spaghetti with red sauce.

14 Hands Merlot Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Rich purple color with ruby hue
• AROMA: Ripe dark and red fruit
• TASTE: Blackberry, plum, cherry and mocha
• FINISH: Well balanced between fruit and acidity
• ABV: 14.5%