COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2018
GRAPE
Merlot
PRODUCER
Canoe Ridge Vineyard
REGION
Washington
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Finish
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Canoe Ridge Vineyard, established in 1989 in Paterson, Washington, is named after a ridge along the Columbia River that explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark noted resembled an overturned canoe. 'The Expedition' tier pays homage to this historic journey, offering fruit-forward, accessible wines that capture the unique terroir of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Owned by Precept Wine since 2011, the estate continues to be a pioneer in Washington State winemaking, crafting expressive wines that reflect the region's dramatic landscape.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
€12
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now
Ideal temperature
15-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
The vineyard's name was inspired by explorers Lewis and Clark, who thought the ridge looked like an overturned canoe in 1805.
Fact 02
The 2018 vintage marked the return of celebrated New Zealand-native winemaker Haydn Mouat to Canoe Ridge Vineyard.
Fact 03
The Horse Heaven Hills AVA is famous for its strong winds, which naturally reduce berry size and concentrate grape flavors.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The 2018 vintage of 'The Expedition' Merlot was crafted under the guidance of head winemaker Haydn Mouat. Sourced from estate-managed vineyards in the wind-swept Horse Heaven Hills AVA, the grapes benefited from a warm growing season with a cool September transition that allowed for extended hang time. The fruit was harvested at optimal ripeness, destemmed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged in a combination of oak barrels to integrate the tannins and add subtle spice complexity while preserving the vibrant primary fruit character.
