Quilceda Creek's new state-of-the-art winery facility. Photograph by Jim Fagiolo Used with permission

Winemaker's comments
We concur with The International Wine Cellar that this wine is the best Merlot our estate has produced to date. With the advent of this predominantly Champoux Merlot, we have decided to exclusively source all our Merlot from this exceptional vineyard. It demonstrates wonderful classic varietal charactistics with highly aromatic nuances of cherry pie, blueberry, chocolate, vanilla, spice and minerals.

Reviews
2002 Merlot

International Wine Cellar Review

"Full ruby-red. Explosive, perfumed aromas of black raspberry, cassis, minerals, and chocolatey oak. Fat, supple and aromatic in the mouth, with flavors of plum, black cherry and chocolately torrefaction. Lush, and deep, with impressive body and personality for American merlot. Finishes very ripe and long, with sweet, fine-grained tannins. Promises to be the best merlot to date from this elite producer." Score: 91-93 barrel sample

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar Nov/Dec 04

Wine Advocate

"Containing 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2002 Merlot (200 cases) offers a deep, inviting aromatic profile of sweet cherries and flowers. Medium to full-bodied and hugely concentrated, this wine broadens on the palate to reveal a suave, pure, rich core of red cherries, blackberries, and hints of cassis. Pure, well-structured, and persistent, it displays wonderfully round, almost melted, tannin in its impressive finish. Drink it over the next 12-15 years." Score: 92

Pierre-Antoine Rovani
Wine Advocate, Issue 164, closing date 4-24-06