2018 Calibrate Columbia Valley, Washington Merlot

The valley is in the southeastern corner of Washington State and is one of the largest of all American Viticultural Areas. It covers just over 11 million acres, of which 40,000 acres are under vine. The Columbia Valley AVA is centered around the Columbia River and its tributaries (the Walla Walla, Yakima and Snake rivers).

Grapes have been grown in the valley since the 1860s. In the 1930s, a viticultural research station was set up in the Yakima Valley, where Dr. Walter Clore planted a range of varieties to assess their performance in the harsh terroir. His experiments formed the basis of the Washington wine industry, with Merlot emerging among the star varieties.

The 2018 Calibrate Merlot is a benchmark rendition of Columbia Valley Merlot — soft on the palate and brimming with enticing cherry and berry flavors.