From the start, this Merlot offers open, expressive aromatics. Scents range from dark fruit to earthy tones, with subtle oak qualities of chocolate and warm baking spices. The forefront of the palate is a fruit basket of plum, black cherry, and blackberry, with hints of olive tapenade. Supported by mouthwatering acidity and powerful but refined tannins, this is everything you want in a Walla Walla Merlot—a true expression of the terroir—approachable now and worthy of a spot in your cellar.
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About the Producer
Pepper Bridge Winery is a family-owned, estate winery in the Walla Walla Valley—one of Washington State's premier wine regions. Guided by a pioneering spirit and deep commitment to sustainable vineyard stewardship, we craft premium Bordeaux-style wines from 100% estate-grown grapes. For more that 25 years, our dedication to quality, innovation, and place has helped define the Walla Walla AVA as a world-class destination for wine lovers.
Attention to detail and functionality were the driving forces behind the design and construction of Pepper Bridge Winery. The three-level winery is built into a hill, set against the stunning backdrop of Pepper Bridge Vineyard.
By utilizing innovative design and techniques, Pepper Bridge Winery has enhanced its quality and dedication to crafting sustainable, premium wines. We built the first state-of-the-art, gravity-flow facility in Washington state, complete with subterranean caves. In a gravity-flow winery such as this, the grape pulp and juice are moved from the sorting table to the tanks to the barrels via gravity, rather than by pumps. This gentle treatment of the grapes prevents the shearing of seeds and the introduction of bitter tannins. As a result, all of our wines have elegant textures and exquisite flavor profiles. Winemaker Jean-François Pellet was also the consulting developer of a new optical sorter—yet another step in improving overall wine quality.
Sustainability and longevity are at the core of each step of winemaking, from vineyard to glass. In addition to our vineyard practices, the winery boasts a system of 378 solar panels, producing 70% of the winery’s energy needs.
In the Tasting Room, we avoid single-use plastics wherever possible and focus on stocking paper goods made with recycled material.
Stewardship is at the center of every viticultural decision at Pepper Bridge Winery. Our estate vineyards are farmed with a long-term view, prioritizing soil health, vine balance, and the wellbeing of the land and people who work it. We rely on low-impact treatments and carefully considered nutrient and micro-nutrients to support healthy vines and expressive fruit. Every choice in the vineyard is made with intention, restraint, and respect for the future of our estate.
Visit Pepper Bridge Winery in Walla Walla for tasting experiences, winery tours, lunch, and seasonal events. Whether you're exploring vacations with vineyard views, discovering new releases with our Wine Club, or enjoying a food and wine pairing, our tasting room is your gateway to the best of Washington wine.
