Canoe Ridge

Canoe Ridge 2002 Merlot $24

Winemaker’s notes:

We fermented the wine in small lots, which allowed us to treat each one as a unique expression of the vineyard. By using a variety of fermentation practices, yeast strains and barrel coopers, we created individual components that we carefully pieced together for the final blend. We used a minimum of fining and filtration and we aged the wine in 85 percent French oak barrels for 20 months. The resulting wine has elegant, classic flavors of rich, velvety Canby raspberry, Bing and black cherry and Belgian chocolate.

Our estate vineyard's unique location at a broad expanse of the Columbia River in eastern Washington allows it to grow superior grapes. The vast river moderates the temperature, extending the grapes' hang time on the vines during the long summer, yet protecting the vines in the winter. The vineyards' location on the northeast side of the ridge protects it from wind damage. It is one of the largest estate-owned single vineyards in the state. Due to the improvements in winegrowing over the last 10 to 15 years, we are now growing better balanced grapevines. These vines are less vigorous and don't draw up late season water like the vines did in the past. The end result is that we can spoon feed the vines water to slow down the sugar accumulation, allowing fruit flavor development to catch up, which is exactly what happened in 2002.

Past Recommendations, Picks, and Wines of the Week

When you read our thoughts, please remember that you may think differently. A particular wine may be your favorite and not on our list. Well, don't stop buying it because of that. In fact, you may want to email us and let us know about it. These are our opinions but our FIRST recommendation is to go by your own palate.

A couple of other thoughts . . . first, prices are approximate. They'll vary. Second, different vintages mean different grapes and different tastes so our recommendation for a 2000 Merlot may not hold for 2001.

And lastly, we remind you to drink responsibly! Now, all that said, here is a summary of links to our suggestions. Find one (or more) and pop the cork!

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