Hyatt Vineyards

Owners Leland and Lynda Hyatt and winemaker Andy Gamache, formely of Hogue Cellars and Apex, have a well-established reputation for Merlot since their first release in 1987. They also produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Black Muscat, and Riesling under both Hyatt and their more exclusive Roza Ridge label. The winery and vineyards are located along the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail on a knoll of about 1100 feet in elevation with breathtaking views of Mt. Ranier. Wines in their portfolio will soon take on the newly minted Rattlesnake Hills Viticultural Area appellation.

This Merlot is aged in new French and American oak barrels, and is very reasonably priced at $10. It is bright and a moderately saturated ruby to garnet, with aromas of strawberry, cedar, vanillan, chocolate raspberry truffle, and chervil. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, soft, and supple with lush fruit and well-integrated tannins. On the finish, the wine has a note of cherry-cola. This easy going wine is the right price and sure to please for large parties such as weddings. Enjoyable as an aperitif, it would also be right at home alongside a plate of grilled beef sirloin with Dijon mustard sauce.

Reviewed August 31, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.