Loads of spices, cassis, black cherries, and blackberries are found in the fresh, boisterous nose. This expansive, medium to full-bodied wine coats the taster's palate with sweet red fruits, candied raspberries, and cherries. Its velvety textured character leads to a seamless, wonderfully long finish that reveals prodigiously ripe tannin. According to the Golitzens, 75% of their black-colored 1999 Merlot hails from Klipsun Vineyard. They mentioned that its fruit in that vintage "had the smallest berries we've ever seen." Only 250 cases of this intensely aromatic wine were produced. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2012. Tel. (360) 568-2389

In this vintage the Klipsun Vineyard Merlot (75%) is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon from Ciel du Cheval (22%) and Cabernet Franc from the Taptiel Vineyard, all prime property on Washington’s Red Mountain. Tight and focused, this exceptionally well-structured Merlot mixes red and black fruits with exotic spices. Muscular and built to age, it’s an amazing wine. ——P.G.(6/1/2002)—— 94