2007 Milbrandt Traditions Merlot

Columbia Valley, Washington

Milbrandt Traditions Merlot is a red wine gem from the Pacific Northwest. Butch and Jerry Milbrandt grew up in a Midwestern farming family and moved to eastern Washington as children. In 1997 they planted vines and today farm 13 distinct estate vineyard sites totaling nearly 1600 acres. Their grapes are purchased by some of the most prestigious wineries in the state. In June of 2007, under the direction of veteran winemaker Gordon Hill, they launched the Milbrandt Vineyards label. In this beautiful 2007 Milbrandt Traditions Merlot, you are tasting one of their first releases, with many more great ones to follow!

Milbrandt Traditions Merlot is a blend of 79% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec and 2% Petite Sirah. The 2007 vintage features fruit from some of Milbrandt’s finest estate vineyards in the Wahluke Slope: Northridge, Don Talcott, Katherine Leone, Clifton and Clifton Hill. It is deep ruby red in color and ripe with plums, cherries, cassis, blueberries, vanilla and toast. Rich, ripe and generous, it is smooth, sleek and very approachable. This vintage spent 10-14 months in a blend of French, American and European oak. It is long and pleasing on the finish.

Enjoy Milbrandt Traditions Merlot over the next 5-6 years with roast duck, grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, ratatouille and cheeses.