2018 Merlot

Description

Varietal: Merlot

Tasting Notes:
Huston Merlot is a deep ruby red color with aromas of smoky bacon and black cherry with flavors of cedar and vanilla are sure to please the most particular palate. This Merlot is well structured and full bodied with a velvety smooth finish.

Pair with: Traeger smoked baby back ribs, Portobello mushroom ravioli, grilled ribeye or blackberry cobbler.

Awards:
90, Editors Choice | 2019 Wine Enthusiast (2015 vintage)
GOLD | 2018 Idaho Wine Competition (2015 vintage)
88 pts  |  2017 Wine Enthusiast (2014 vintage)
2X GOLD  |  2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (2013 vintage)
BRONZE  |  2015 Sunset International Wine Competition (2012 vintage)

Specs:

• 2018
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014

Composition Notes	85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyards	Huston Estate Vineyard, Sawtooth Block 43
Release Date	June 2021
Cases Produced	246
Growing Season Notes	2018 was an exceptional growing season with bud break mid-April and a season in gradient temperature climbs providing excellent ripening conditions. Most blocks were harvested the first two weeks of October.

Composition Notes	96% Merlot, 4% Syrah
Vineyards	Skyline, Symms, Sawtooth
Release Date	March 2019
Cases Produced	156
Growing Season Notes	The 2016 growing season with exceptional. Bud break mid-April with gradually warming temperatures provided a solid flower set which in turn gave way to a quality fruit set. The summer was warm but absent of extreme heat which allowed the sugars to grow in the berries while the traditional Idaho cool nights set the acidity level.

Composition Notes	75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah
Vineyards	Skyline, Symms, Sawtooth
Release Date	June 2018
Cases Produced	146
Growing Season Notes	Merlot struggled in the 2015 growing season. A severe temperature fluctuation in November of 2014 inhibited the vines from reaching dormancy before a hard frost. Over 40% of the harvest in the Snake River AVA was lost. The yields of this vintage were impacted but the quality did not suffer. Grape vines thrive when stressed and this Merlot is a proven example.

Composition Notes	86% Merlot, 14% Malbec
Vineyards	Huston, Skyline, Symms, Sawtooth Block 63
Release Date	June 2016
Cases Produced	205
Growing Season Notes	2014 growing season was warmer than average for Idaho. The long, warm growing season ensured the ripeness of all varietals and the overall yields were elevated over previous seasons. A strong year for growing reds, particularly Bordeaux varietals. Merlot specifically exhibiting rich ruby color, bright fruit and balanced tannins.