Description
Since the first vintage in 2006, Merriman Wines has been working to produce exceptional Oregon wines. The winery is named after owner Mike Merriman, a Texas native with a passion for Oregon and the world-class Pinot Noir produced there. The vineyard was planted in 1999 on an east facing ridge, entirely to Pinot Noir. The vines are not irrigated, encouraging the roots to grow deeper into the ground in search of water. The clones planted are the Dijon 113,114,115,667, and 777, as well as Wadenswil and Pommard. We use only sustainable viticultural practices, and the Merriman Vineyard received LIVE and Salmon Safe certification in 2008. We crop the grapes in many blocks to just one cluster per shoot, ensuring ripeness and flavor development. Yields on top of the ridge can be as little as one ton per acre or even less in some years. It is that fruit which goes into the Merriman blend. The Cummins Road is a blend of some of the Dijon clone blocks, chosen to highlight the bright Pinot fruit from the vineyard hillside. The dry farmed, east facing vineyard slope allows the cool breezes at night and warm morning sun to grow the grapes slowly, giving the wine its complexity and allowing the unique terroir of the vineyard to come through in your glass.
Merriman Vineyard Estate 2012
Merriman Tasting Note
The 2012 Merriman Estate was made in only twelve barrels and shows the intense flavors that only the highest elevation and lowest yields of our vineyard can produce. The long, seductive mouthfeel is a slow and contemplative interplay of plush dark fruit, cocoa powder, cardamom pods and clove oil that cleave with the silky tannins that are only found from outstanding vintages in ideal growing conditions.
Wine Enthusiast Tasting Note
PAUL GREGUTT- From vines planted in 1999, this nicely oaked effort shows full ripeness without sacrificing details of forest and mushroom. Cherry cola, iron ore and a palate-pleasing dose of barrel toast all contribute to the lengthy finish. Score – 92. (PAUL GREGUTT, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 2015)
Vinous Tasting Note
Josh Raynolds- Assertive red fruit and floral pastille aromas show very good energy and focus, with a spicy element adding complexity. Juicy and pliant on the palate, offering gently sweet, nicely concentrated raspberry and cherry flavors and a hint of allspice. Subtle tannins build slowly on the long, smooth finish. Score – 91. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous Magazine, Dec. 2015)
Wine Spectator Tasting Note
Lively, vibrant and juicy, with raspberry, floral and green pepper-corn flavors that zip easily across the refined tannins, finishing pointed and persistent. Drink now through 2022. Score – 91 –H.S. (10/31/14)
