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2021 Mercer Small Lot Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website and vintage records)
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Location: Horse Heaven Hills AVA, Washington State, USA
Specialty Factor: Small-lot, terroir-driven Cabernet from estate vineyards in Horse Heaven Hills
Cellar Aging: Drink now through 2035
A Few More Details
The 2021 vintage in Horse Heaven Hills was warm and dry, producing smaller berry sizes and lighter yields that contributed to wines of concentration and depth. Grapes were harvested from estate vineyards known for their uniform ripening and balance.
Grapes were gently sorted and kept whole to preserve flavor integrity. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks with gentle extraction. The wine was aged for 16–18 months in French and American oak, with a portion of new barrels contributing spice and structure.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby with purple highlights. Aromas of cassis, black cherry, and blueberry layered with notes of vanilla, cedar, and a touch of graphite. The palate is bold and structured, with ripe dark fruit at the core framed by firm yet polished tannins. Subtle barrel spice and floral hints add complexity, leading to a long, powerful finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions!
Red Meats & Hearty Dishes
Grilled rib-eye with herb butter; Beef short ribs braised in red wine; Lamb rack with rosemary jus
Game & Poultry
Venison medallions with blackberry reduction; Duck breast with cherry compote
Vegetarian
Portobello mushroom steak with balsamic glaze; Smoky eggplant lasagna; Lentil ragout with polenta
Cheese & Rich Accompaniments
Aged cheddar; Gouda; Blue cheese with dried fruit; Dark chocolate truffles
About
Mercer Wine Estates is a family-owned producer with deep roots in Horse Heaven Hills. The Small Lot series highlights limited-production wines crafted to express the unique character of the region’s vineyards. The 2021 Small Lot Cabernet Sauvignon reflects this philosophy, delivering both power and elegance — a wine that showcases the warm vintage and the character of Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills.
2022 Martin Woods Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley, USA
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website and vintage sheet)
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Franc
Location: Walla Walla Valley AVA (with fruit from the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater), USA
Specialty Factor: Cobblestone-rich Rocks District fruit blended with historic Seven Hills & McClellan Estate parcels; bottled unfined; small production (≈500 cases)
Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar through 2030 for added nuance
A Few More Details
Vineyards: RockBar (60%), Seven Hills (20%), McClellan Estate (20%); self-rooted, ungrafted vines with deep root systems.
Soils: Freewater Series cobblestone/gravel with loess; Ellisforde loess over lacustrine sediments.
Harvest: September 30, October 13 & 21, 2022.
Winemaking: ~20% whole clusters; 30 days on skins in small open-top fermenters; gentle once-daily punchdowns from day 10; aged 12 months on lees in neutral 228L barrels, then 6 months in tank; bottled May 6, 2024 without fining.
Technical Specs: Alc 13.5%; TA 5.4 g/L; pH 3.82; RS 0.0 g/L; ~500 cases.
Tasting Notes
Classic, varietally pure aromatics—fragrant garden herbs and pepper—wrapped around ripe cherry and kirsch. The palate is silken and refreshing, with balanced, refined structure, energetic texture, and a long, resonant finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions!
Meats: Herb-rubbed pork tenderloin; roast chicken with thyme; grilled lamb chops with chimichurri
Vegetarian: Mushroom ragù over polenta; grilled peppers & halloumi; lentils with herbes de Provence
Cheese: Fresh goat cheese (chèvre), aged Gouda, Tomme-style cheeses
About
Martin Woods is an artisan winery nestled in Oregon’s Coast Range foothills near McMinnville. Winemaker Evan Martin focuses on site-expressive wines made with delicate, minimal-intervention methods—pursuing purity, balance, complexity, and fine structure that speak clearly of place.
West Seattle Wine Cellars 