2019 Knoll Haven Winery Wahluke Slope, Washington Merlot

Naturally bounded by the Columbia River to the west and south, by the Saddle Mountains on the north, and on the east by the Hanford Reach National Monument, the Wahluke Slope was officially recognized as an American Viticultural Area in 2006. Today, it’s a reliable source of grapes for wineries throughout Washington.

The 80,490-acre region features approximately 9,277 acres of vineyards. That represents only about 15% of the state’s total vineyard acreage, which, along with the small number of wine-production facilities in the area, explains its nearly invisible status.

But the Wahluke Slope is not a secret to the vintner for Knoll Haven, who sourced the grapes for Knoll Haven’s 2018 Merlot from that special growing area. The finished wine is perfectly balanced and a delight to drink — a wine worthy of sharing with friends.