Pepper Bridge Winery, Walla Walla Valley (United States) Merlot 2018

 With 13% Cabernet Franc, this Merlot made from Seven Hills and the estate vineyard is a perfect example of what Walla Walla offers.  It displays ripe cherry, raspberry, and light herbal aromas with a touch of oak spice.  On the palate it is medium-full bodied with ripe fruit, an earthy, mineral streak and good acidity to accompany the tannins.  Concentrated, textured, and balanced, it begs to be cellared 3 to 5 years.  With a controlling interest in both Pepper Bridge Vineyard and Seven Hills Vineyard, the winery produces only 8,000 cases a year.  Dozens of wineries buy grapes from Pepper Bridge, including Leonetti, which bottles a vineyard designated Cabernet.  All Pepper Bridge wines were excellent in my recent tasting.  One reason why the winery is not better known is that it sells almost all of its bottles direct to wine club members.  But if there were one club I would join, this would be it.