2002 vintage guide for Washington State Merlot

Washington 2002: Drink soon

Elegant cherry-scented wines with smooth, ripe tannins

4/5

Weather Conditions

The year began with no freezes and no problems with spring frosts. Since it does not rain and the humidity is always low during the summers of eastern Washington , the main concern is to obtain ripe fruit before the cold weather hits in ealry October. The summer was moderately warm, but with no hot days through the end of July. By the beginning of August the fruit was lagging behind. But then by mid-August warm weather finally set in and remained. With daily temperature swings of 40 F, the vines began to catch up and ripen on schedule.

Best Appellations

Columbia Valley, Walla Walla.

Best Producers

Kestral, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, Isenhower, Hogue, Andrew Will, Northstar.

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