Jeff and Vicki Gordon established their Kamiak Vineyard north of Pasco, Wash., starting in 1980, and it ranks as the state’s oldest estate winery devoted entirely to family fruit. Two winemakers have their fingerprints on this reserve-style Merlot, first Tim Henley, now at Jones of Washington, then Tyler Tennyson, now at Dunham Cellars. The barrel program of 22 months in 40% new French oak helped develop aromas of toast and black cherry with violets, bittersweet chocolate and roasted coffee. Those tones come alive on the palate, which offers a balanced structure with sandy tannins, and finishes with Montmorency cherry, sweet herbs and dark toast. Enjoy with Pork Osso Bucco or the 12-ounce ribeye at their Gordon Estate Wine Bar in the Broadmoor neighborhood near the Columbia River in Pasco.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 435 cases
Alcohol: 12.65%
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