Our estate vineyard was just planted this summer in the Walla Walla Valley. As we wait for those young vineyard blocks to produce fruit, we source grapes from select vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley and Columbia Valley AVAs. Winemaker Virginie Bourgue works closely with each grape grower and our selected blocks from their vineyards to assure top quality fruit for Cadaretta.

Our 2006 Merlot contains grapes from three vineyards: Walla Walla’s Birch Creek Vineyard is known for producing luscious Chardonnays for many wineries, and the site also produces classic Merlot. Two thirds of the grapes for the 2006 Merlot came from this site. The Alder Ridge vineyard was planted in 1997. The site overlooks the Columbia River which tempers the climate so it’s cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The vineyard also has good air drainage, excellent sun exposure, and volcanic soils that produce intense fruit flavors.

The Pepper Bridge vineyard is located in the Walla Walla Valley. The original 10 acres were planted in 1991. Soils are Walla Walla Silt Loam, wind-blown glacial loess that is young and full of minerals.

Varietal Composition: 100% Merlot

Grape Sources: 64% Birch Creek Vineyard (Walla Walla Valley), 31% Alder Ridge Vineyard (Horse Heaven Hills), 5% Pepper Bridge Vineyard (Walla Walla Valley)

Appellation: Columbia Valley

Cooperage: Fermented in stainless steel - 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, 5% new

Total Acidity: 6.5 g/L

pH: 3.71

Alcohol: 14.9% by volume

Bottling Date: April 16, 2008

Release Date: September 1, 2008

Production: 1740 bottles, packed 6 x 750ml