Washington State Wine Petit Creek Merlot 2002 has a rich fruity aroma with bold but polished tannins. In the mouth you experience dark fruits, specifically black cherry and plum, along with spice, vanilla and a dark chocolate finish. Patit Creek’s grapes are selected from vines trained on a split canopy system and irrigated with a state-of-the-art computerized system that adjusts for temperature, humidity, wind, and sun energy units. Along with meticulous monitoring of the vines in ideal grape growing weather, Walla Walla’s unique soils and climate contribute to the grapes’ distinctive flavors. While many Merlots are released shortly after bottling, Patit Creek purposely adds six additional months to its aging in the bottle, ensuring a well-developed and mature wine ready to drink upon opening.

Patit Creek Cellars was originally founded in 1999 by six partners, all of whom had been friends for more than 30 years. The partners decided to name the winery originally located just 30 miles north of Walla Walla in Dayton, after the nearby Patit Creek (pronounced "PAT-it"), which meanders its way through the historic little town.

PATIT CREEK MERLOT 2002 INFORMATION:
Varietals: 96% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec
Appellation: 100% Walla Walla Valley
Vineyards: Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills
Brix at Harvest: 24.9
Aging: 18 Months in Barrels & 6 Months in bottles
Barrels: 64% French, 22% Hungarian, 14% American, 60% New Oak & 40% Used Oak
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 325 Cases