100% Merlot
94% New French Oak (Taransaud & Orion)
Cases produced: 380

TASTING NOTES

A classic Bordeaux style Merlot. A combination of red and black fruits, classic notes of cassis, cherries and sandalwood on the nose. The palate, much like the nose has beautiful balance and expression. Round and rich in the mouth, it is a focused blend, with juicy tones of grilled plums, blackberry, and sweet tobacco. Aged in 94% new French Oak barriques for 20 months.

ACCLAIM

Platinum Award - Sip Northwest's 13th Annual Best of the Northwest Competition

95 Points - Owen Bargreen

"The 2021 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Counterpart’ is a beautiful effort from this challenging vintage. The 100% Merlot was stored in nearly all New French Oak (Taransaud & Orion) prior to bottling. The toasty oak is beautiful with dark chocolate, dark rose petals, Asian spices and cassis notes. The palate is plush and refined with a serious sense of richness and flavor density. A gorgeous Merlot that is built to age, with loamy soil character, this is a total stunner that is the finest I have tasted from this house yet. Drink 2024-2042"

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

"All Merlot, the 2021 Merlot Counterpart reveals a healthy ruby/plum color as well as terrific aromatics of meaty black cherries, truffly earth, tobacco, and bouquet garni. With medium to full-bodied richness, it brings loads of fruit and texture, as well as ripe tannins, while staying beautifully balanced and light on its feet."