2014 Tenor Merlot
We’re not making Merlot for the faint of heart. Merlot is one of the world’s greatest red varietals. It can be big, supple and complex, but coaxing all those notes out of the grape is a challenge, which is why it’s often maligned or misunderstood as a soft, generic red. We want to showcase a wholly different side of Merlot. We want to show that even a 100% Merlot can be as big, as textured and as exciting to drink as a Cabernet and bring its own unique voice to the table. Merlot loves Washington’s climate. The unique sites and growing season enable us to bring out a little bit of everything that great Merlot is known for. We get enough heat and exposure to develop great ripeness and freshness, but our long season, cool nights and large diurnal shifts enable us to build great concentration and flavor intensity as well. We think of it as big and rich meets lean and racy. Tenor Merlot is full throttle and exciting, but still balanced and elegant.This wine is currently not available. Join the mailing list to stay informed about Tenors releases.
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"Very bright cedary and spicy oak on the nose. Violets, plums and a gently meaty thread leading to a palate that has rather bold, ripe fruits in the spiced plum zone. Drink or hold."
90 points - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
Tasting Notes
An inviting combination of strawberry and blackberry preserves framed by a perfect mix of sandalwood and spice. Swirling brings red and black currants, licorice, vanilla bean and a hint of black cherry. The palate is dense but with seamless fruit and superfine tannins. Youthfully compressed but stunning nonetheless.
Wine Facts
Labeled Appellation:
Columbia Valley
Vineyard(s):
Dionysus, Hedges Family Estate, Red Mountain, Pepper Bridge
Varietal Composition:
100% Merlot
Vinification:
Fermented in 42% Steel, 58% concrete. Aged in 83% new, 17% used French oak for 19 months.
Alcohol:
15.5%
Cases Produced:
140
Drinkability:
Now-2024
Trade Materials
Download:
2014 Tenor Merlot - Tech Sheet
Additional Information about this Vintage
Vineyard Philosophy Merlot is one of the few varietals in which we aggressively restrict yields. Merlot vines will hang as much fruit as they can, so in most cases, we’re pushing the threshold to maximize concentration and flavor intensity. We’re meticulous about site choice, soil and exposure, but we source our merlot from several vineyards. This enables us to create a wine that has it all: power, suppleness, texture, smoky fruit, intense aromatics.
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