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2014 Merlot
 

2014 Merlot

$20

Airfield Estates is a fourth generation family farm based in the Yakima Valley cultivating a wide range of premium grapes and crafting estate grown wines of exceptional quality and value.

As the name suggests, Airfield Estates has ties to aviation. A portion of the family property operated as a training base for hundreds of Army Air Corps pilots during World War 11. The pride, passion, and dedication of these heroes provide a great source of inspiration as we strive to pay tribute to them with our wines.

Vineyard

Established in 1968, our estate vineyard was one of the first commercial vineyards in Washing­ton State. Our first plantings were Riesling, GewOrztraminer, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Over the years, we have expanded to over 25 varieties spanning approximately 860 acres. Nestled on the foothills of the Rattlesnake Mountains in the heart of the Yakima Valley AVA, our vine­yard has one of the most spectacular views of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. These sunny slopes are blessed with a long growing period, extended summer daylight, and cool evenings that yield well-balanced, world-class wines.

Vintage

The 2014 vintage in the Yakima Valley was marked by sunshine and warmth during the harvest season, accumulating many more heat units than in recent vintages. The weather conditions were ideal with above average temperatures and scarce rainfall from bud-break through har­vest. This allowed the vines to slowly and gradually adapt to the warmth and drought yielding naturally-concentrated, dense wines of superb quality. The 2014 grapes gave way to naturally dark purple-red color wines that speak to the dry, hot year. At times, warm vintages are not ideal for acidity levels, however, our 2014 wines produced balanced acidities and moderate alcohol levels.

Tasting Notes

This Merlot delivers an inviting bouquet of black cherry, vanilla, clove, and nutmeg leading to an abundance of bright cherry and soft toasted oak on the palate with a round mouthfeel and firm, lingering tannins taking hold on the finish.

  • Alcohol: 14.2%
  • pH: 3.55
  • TA: 5.80
  • Case Production: 2,272 cases
  • Aging: 15 months in French oak, 35% new