2005 Merlot

The Wine

The Merlot is the first Varietal wine released by Gifford Hirlinger.  It is an elegant, yet powerful expression of Merlot from the Walla Walla Valley.  It's loaded with flavors of cherry, strawberry and blackberry, with underlying notes of oaky vanilla and spice, all tied together with just enough tannin and acid to give it a wonderful balance.

Case Production:

  • 350

Varietal Composition:

  • 86% Merlot
  • 14% Cabernet Sauvignon

Barrel Aging:

  • 23 Months

Oak Program:

  • 60% New Oak
    • 60% French
    • 40% Hungarian
  • 40% Neutral Mix of Barrels