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2016 Januik Champoux Vineyard Merlot

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

April 21, 2024 - $28

Estimate

RATINGS

92Stephen Tanzer

Aromas of raspberry, redcurrant and tobacco leaf are lifted by a pungent pyrazine note. Concentrated, layered and suave, with its plum and redcurrant fruit flavors complicated by a meaty nuance and a restrained sweetness... Finishes with substantial dusty but well-integrated tannins and rising perfumed length.

90The Wine Advocate

...silky oak tones, mineral tension and aromas of soft red flower petals. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is clean and correct, with subtle red spices that linger through to the back of the mid-palate, displaying a soft tannic grip that holds onto the gumline. This is a fine quality wine, and it ends with a lingering flavor of dusty red plum and bitter dark chocolate on the finish.

90Wine Spectator

Svelte and focused, featuring vibrant red currant flavors laced with fresh tarragon notes, building elegant complexity toward refined tannins.

90Wine Enthusiast

The aromas draw you into the glass, with notes of dried herb, dark chocolate, cherry and cedar. Well-proportioned, slightly jammy red- and black-fruit flavors follow, supported by a lovely sense of structure and accented by plentiful barrel spices.

REGION

United States, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley AVA is larger than some states. At 18,000 square miles, or 11 million acres, the appellation covers almost half of Washington State and a small part of Oregon on the south side of the Columbia River. Established in 1984, Columbia Valley contains numerous sub appellations within its boundaries, including Yakima Valley AVA and Walla Walla AVA, both large and important wine districts. Columbia Valley AVA, generally called the Columbia Basin by Pacific Northwesterners, is in the Columbia River Plateau, and the AVA also includes a section of northeastern Oregon. There are dozens of microclimates within this appellation of about 7,000 vineyard acres. Many kinds of grapes are grown in the Columbia Valley, though the principal grapes planted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. Eastern Washington experiences very hot summers and cold winters, and the northern latitude means that Washington vineyards receive several more hours of sun in the summer than California vineyards. Grapes in Washington therefore have time to develop significant tannins and overall ripeness.

TYPE

Red Wine, Merlot

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.