Benton Hills Merlot 2022
Overview
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Our 2022 Merlot opens with pretty, concentrated aromas of wild fruit, dominated by ripe blackberry, blueberry, and wild cherry, which blend elegantly with nuanced hints of oak and a subtle overlay of toasted bread. On the palate, it is full-bodied and juicy, presenting an intense volume that fills the mouth with rich, lush fruit flavors. The texture is velvety yet lively, with well-integrated tannins that add structure without overwhelming. The finish is long and layered, revealing a minerality that brings complexity and a sense of place, mingling with lingering notes of wild mixed berries and a touch of earth. |
Wine Facts
VINIFICATION: This Benton Hills Merlot features hand-selected fruit from our prized estate blocks. This warm vintage allowed extended hang time, achieving deep flavor complexity without sacrificing the grape’s natural varietal character. During fermentation, we pumped over the wine twice daily, carefully extracting balanced color, structure, and flavor. A completed malolactic fermentation on oak further refined and softened the wine, enhancing its smooth, elegant profile.
INTERESTING FACT: Benton Hills Vineyards is in a premier wine region in southeastern Washington state, comprising several arid southwest sloping hills that are home to many of the Columbia valley’s most celebrated vineyards.
STORY: Ancient basalt flows formed a cluster of small mountains with gentle sloping hillsides ideal for growing vinifera grapes. We affectionately refer to them as our Benton Hills.
M.L. Monson brought his family to the Yakima Valley in the early 1900s. He came with a love for the land and the dream of building a family farming business that would continue for generations.
Initially, the focus was on orchards and cattle. In the 1990s, M.L.’s son Arvid began building in a new direction, establishing vineyards in the arid hills and valleys around Richland. This led to the founding of Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery in 1998.
Through years of remarkable growth and change, the family has remained true to the vision held by M.L. and Arvid Monson, and today Goose Ridge is led by Arvid’s three children, Bill, Molly and Valerie.
Producer: Goose Ridge
Region: Goose Gap AVA, Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: United States
Wine Composition: 90% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 5% Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Total Acidity: 5.4 G/L
pH: 3.86
Region: Goose Gap AVA, Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: United States
Wine Composition: 90% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 5% Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Total Acidity: 5.4 G/L
pH: 3.86