2020 Ransom Walla Walla Valley Merlot

$50.00

This Ransom single-vineyard Merlot is a fine example of the robust power and firm structure that Merlot can posses.

This Merlot shows a bright red color of moderate density with a blue hues. Aromas and flavors of ripe berries and sweet mint mingle with notes of candied oranges and cocoa. Bold, yet balanced tannins contribute to a robust texture and long fruity finish.

Alcohol Level

14.2

Winemaking

Handpicked fruit was destemmed and carefully fermented in small lots and gently pressed at dryness. The wine was aged eighteen months in mixed French cooperage before being blended and bottled.

Vineyard Sites

Winesap Vineyard
The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley

Winesap Vineyard is a 12 acre vineyard planted in the rocky floodplain of the Walla Walla River in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. Its elevation is 850ft, and its row orientation is east-west with spacing 8x3 feet. The sparse, rocky soils produce wines that are savory, elegant, and restrained.

Vintage Notes

2020 began with a cool, wet spring. Budbreak was tracking in a normal pattern, while rain during bloom caused yields to be lower than normal - focusing concentration of berry and flavor development. A cooler than normal July and August helped the fruit ripen steadily and we harvested these vineyards in late September. The 2020 wines are marked by concentrated fruit flavors, richness, and intensity.

Tasting Notes

This wine shows a bright red color of moderate density with a blue hues. Aromas and
flavors of ripe berries and sweet mint mingle with notes of candied oranges and cocoa.
Bold, yet ballanced tannins contribute to a robust texture and long fruity finish. Enjoy
now or for the next 7+ years as this wine is sure to gain additional complexity with age

Ingredients

Grapes, Yeast, Yeast Extract, Tartaric Acid, Tannin, SO2