Hogue Merlot

The wine washington state has been touted as perhaps the best merlot producing region in the united states. Hogue merlot lives up to this reputation. The aromas are earthy and toasty with black cherry cocoa and spice. The palate is rich but not heavy with black cherry and boysenberry fruit flavors. Pair with roast turkey grilled bison burgers or butternut-stuffed ravioli. The vintage and vineyards the 2015 growing season was extremely warm in eastern washington. The merlot ripened fully developing classic washington state varietal character excellent balance and elegance. Grapes for this vintage were chosen from wahluke slope (45%) yakima valley (38%) columbia valley (15%) and horse heaven hills (2%). The winemaking the grapes were picked at mid-day and during the late afternoon to encourage fermentation. They were then destemmed crushed and fermented in stainless steel. All of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was then racked and blended to balance oak an