{"api":{"host":"https:\/\/pinot.decanter.com","authorization":"Bearer MTI2YTFhMmFiMjRlNjczMTRjMjk2MzU0NDJkYWZiNTUxOTJlYWRlN2QwYzA0MDI5NzE3ZWIxMjExMTU2MWRhOQ","version":"2.0"},"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"6qv8OniKQO","rid":"RJXC8OC","offerId":"OFPHMJWYB8UK","offerTemplateId":"OFPHMJWYB8UK","wcTemplateId":"OTOW5EUWVZ4B"}}

2000 vintage guide for Washington State Merlot

Washington 2000: Keep

Cabernet-like Merlot with massive tannins and concentrated flavours should last forever

Weather Conditions

With a cool early season and warm, dry harvest conditions continuing until just about every Merlot cluster was in the cellars, many winemakers suspect Merlot will be the star of the vintage. Harvested at high levels of ripeness, the small clusters of Merlot yielded powerful, massive wines. With tannin levels to match their extraordinary flavour concentration, the best Merlots took on Cabernet Sauvignon proportions.

Best Appellations

Quality ran high in the Columbia Valley but wines from Walla Walla could lead the fast-running pack.

Best Producers

The stars are Ste. Michelle, Hogue Cellars, Canoe Ridge, Pepper Bridge, and North Star.

Quick Link Washington Travel Guide

Latest Wine News