2008 Sineann Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard Merlot

Sineann was founded in Newberg in 1994 by Peter Rosback and David O’Reilly. From the beginning the business partners sourced grapes from some of the best vineyards of the Pacific Northwest, including vineyards Columbia Valley and the Willamette Valley. O’Reilly went on to start the Owen Roe and Rosback focused on single-vineyard Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. He also makes white wines including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer. The red and white wines both typically earn ratings in the low- to mid-90s from reviewers.

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.