Luke Columbia Valley Merlot

Wahluke Slope AVA, Washington

I heard stories about him for years, saw him in the flesh a few times, and spoke to him only once. The true depth of a man’s character is often unknowable, but even one conversation was enough to convince me that Luke was an imitation of no one. He revealed him-self slowly, like a freed wind emerging from the shadow of a mountain. Seemingly ordinary at first, but undeniably complex. Bold and determined, but unabashedly generous.

Tasting Notes

Born on the Whaluke Slope LUKE Merlot reveals the hallmark of great Washington merlot – dark red fruits, rounded tannins, and an opulent, smooth finish. Fresh flavors of plum, cherry, and blackberry dominate the mid-palate while earthy flavors of tobacco, cedar, and clove marry the spices of vanilla and mocha to extend the wine’s long lingering finish.

Varietals: 92% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc
Alc: 14%
pH: 3.69
TA: 5.7g/L
Aging: French & American Oak
2,514 cases produced

Vineyards: Weinbau, Stone Tree, Clifton Hill, Sugarloaf, Ravencliff

I heard stories about him for years, saw him in the flesh a few times, and spoke to him only once. The true depth of a man’s character is often unknowable, but even one conversation was enough to convince me that Luke was an imitation of no one. He revealed him-self slowly, like a freed wind emerging from the shadow of a mountain. Seemingly ordinary at first, but undeniably complex. Bold and determined, but unabashedly generous.

Tasting Notes

LUKE Merlot reveals the hallmark of great Washington merlot – dark red fruits, rounded tannins, and an opulent, smooth finish. Fresh flavors of plum, cherry, and blackberry dominate the mid palate while earthy flavors of tobacco, cedar, and clove marry the spices of vanilla and mocha to extend the wine’s long lingering finish.

Varietals: 85% Merlot 14% Cabernet Sauvignon 1% Malbec Alc: 14.4% pH: 3.67 TA: 5.5g/L French & American Oak 3,650 cases produced

Vineyards:  Weinbau, Stone Tree

I heard stories about him for years, saw him in the flesh a few times, and spoke to him only once. The true depth of a man’s character is often unknowable, but even one conversation was enough to convince me that Luke was an imitation of no one. He revealed him-self slowly, like a freed wind emerging from the shadow of a mountain. Seemingly ordinary at first, but undeniably complex. Bold and determined, but unabashedly generous.

Tasting Notes

LUKE Merlot reveals the hallmark of great Washington merlot – dark red fruits, rounded tannins, and an opulent, smooth finish. Fresh flavors of plum, cherry, and blackberry dominate the mid palate while earthy flavors of tobacco, cedar, and clove marry the spices of vanilla and mocha to extend the wine’s long lingering finish.

Varietals: 96% Merlot 4% Cabernet Franc Alc: 14.7% pH: 3.73 TA: 5.4g/L French & American Oak 2,911 cases produced

Vineyards: Stone Tree, Weinbau, Ravenscliff, King Fuji, Southwind

I heard stories about him for years, saw him in the flesh a few times, and spoke to him only once. The true depth of a man’s character is often unknowable, but even one conversation was enough to convince me that Luke was an imitation of no one. He revealed him-self slowly, like a freed wind emerging from the shadow of a mountain. Seemingly ordinary at first, but undeniably complex. Bold and determined, but unabashedly generous.

Tasting Notes

LUKE Merlot reveals the hallmark of great Washington merlot – dark red fruits, rounded tannins, and an opulent, smooth finish. Fresh flavors of plum, cherry, and blackberry dominate the mid palate while earthy flavors of tobacco, cedar, and clove marry the spices of vanilla and mocha to extend the wine’s long lingering finish.

Varietals: 75% Merlot 23% Cabernet Sauvignon 1% Malbec 1% Petit Verdot Alc: 14.2% pH: 3.5 TA: 5.9g/L French & American Oak 1,801 cases produced

Vineyards: Sundance, Weinbau, Rosebud, Stone Tree, Ravenscliff

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  • 91

    points

    Wine Spectator, June 2022

    "Vibrant and elegantly structured, this Merlot is accented by sleek red currant, toasty spice and hints of dusty herb. Drink now through 2027. "

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  • 92

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, March 2022

    "Editor's Choice. Weinbau fruit makes up the backbone of this wine. The aromas pull you into the glass, with notes of blue plum, raspberry, vanilla, graphite and coffee. The palate is full feeling, with lush fruit flavors and sneaky structure behind them. There's a pleasing lick of acidity that ups the interest. It's a big mouthful of a wine that overdelivers. Decant to see it at its best"

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  • #69

    Top 100

    Wine Spectator, November 2022

    "91 points. Vibrant and elegantly structured, this Merlot is accented by sleek red currant, toasty spice and hints of dusty herb. Drink now through 2027. "

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  • 90

    points

    Vinous, December 2020

    "Bright dark red. Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, menthol, cedar and spices, plus a suggestion of violet. Supple, pliant and broad on the palate, offering plump flavors of blackberry and mocha. This big, sweet mouthful of Merlot finishes with smooth tannins and very good persistence. Not the last word in complexity but boasts excellent palate presence. This makes the Companion blend seem leaner and drier by comparison."

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  • 91

    points

    James Suckling, June 2021

    "Aromas of wild blackberries, plum stones, chocolate orange and sage. It’s full-bodied with grainy tannins. Juicy layers of chocolate and black fruit with a plush texture and a juicy feel. Flavorful finish. Drink now."

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  • 91

    points

    Wine Spectator, September 2021

    ""

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  • 92

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, December 2020

    "Editors' Choice. The aromas pop, with notes of dark raspberry, chocolate and cherry, showing a bright sense of varietal purity. Ripe, full-bodied, layered fruit flavors follow, with the acidity bringing a lot of freshness and exquisite balance. It lingers on the finish. Delicious and fruit filled, with plenty of structure, it's hedonism at its best—a surefire crowd pleaser. Give a short decant if drinking in the near term."

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  • 90

    points

    Wine Spectator, December 2019

    "A handsome red, well-made and expressive, with focused black currant and dusty licorice flavors that finish with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2024. 1,801 cases made."

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  • 91

    points

    James Suckling, June 2020

    "A big, rich red with soft, round tannins and lots of ripe fruit and walnut and chocolate undertones. Full and flavorful. 75% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Drink now."

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  • 91

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, March 2020

    "Editor's Choice. Intoxicating aromas of espresso, high-cacao chocolate, green pepper, barrel spice, raspberry and herbs lead to focused, fresh fruit flavors that coat the palate. There's a whole lot of acidity and firm tannin structure surrounding them, needing some time to settle in. It's a serious wine to find at this price. Give it a brief decant."

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TRADE & MEDIA ASSETS /////////////////

2020 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – Tasting Note

2019 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – Top 100, Wine Spectator – Shelftalker

2019 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – Top 100, Wine Spectator – Wine Necker

2019 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – 91pts, Wine Spectator – Wine Necker

2019 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – 92pts Editors’ Choice, Wine Enthusiast – Wine Necker

2019 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – 92pts Editors’ Choice, Wine Enthusiast – Shelftalker

2019 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – 91pts Wine Spectator – Shelftalker

2019 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – 91pts Wine Spectator – Sell Sheet

2019 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – Tasting Note

Luke 2018 Merlot Wine Enthusiast 92pts Editors Choice Accolade – Shelftalker

Luke Columbia Valley v18 & v19 Wine Enthusiast Ratings 11-2020 – Sell Sheet

2018 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – Tasting Note

Luke 2017 Merlot Wine Enthusiast 91pts Accolade – Shelftalker

Luke 2017 Merlot Wine Spectator 90pts Accolade – Shelftalker

Luke Columbia Valley Wine Spectator – Adventures in Values – 1-31-20 – Sell Sheet

Luke Columbia Valley Red Wine Beauty Shot

Luke Columbia Valley Family Beauty Shot

Luke Columbia Valley Austin Food.Wine.and.Swine Best Wine – 11-24-19 – Sell Sheet

Luke Columbia Valley Wine Spectator Trio of Scores – 11-23-19 – Sell Sheet

Luke Columbia Valley Wine Enthusiast – 12-04-19 – Sell Sheet

Luke Columbia Valley Wine Spectator 8-31-19- Sell Sheet

2017 Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – Tasting Note

Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – Label

Luke Columbia Valley Merlot – Bottle

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