Dead Canyon Ranch Winery

Dead Canyon Ranch Winery – Mercer Family Vineyards
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
2017 Red Blend
Horse Heaven Hills AVA Columbia Valley, Washington

Stunning Cab and Red Blend -- Unbeatable Price

I’ve started sourcing some exclusive AWM Selections from our own West Coast and these two were the first to arrive.

The fruit for this Cabernet is sourced entirely from the family’s “Estate Vineyards” in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The warm days and cool nights of late summer and the family’s nearly fanatical attention to crop levels result in a beautifully balanced Cab that features perfect ripeness with both power and brightness.

For most folks, wines from Washington State tend to fly under the radar. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay get the most attention; however, some excellent red and white blends come from the region. Like the Cabernet, fruit for the Dead Canyon Red Blend is sourced entirely from the Mercer Family’s “Estate Vineyards” in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA.

Horse Heaven Hills AVA

The beautiful rolling slopes of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA in Washington’s Columbia Valley would make a perfect backdrop for any blockbuster Western movie. The dramatic, windswept landscape meets crystal clear blue skies, and you can’t help thinking that somewhere close by, there’s a posse getting ready to ride off into the sunset. The picturesque albeit brutal landscape and the harsh arid climate punish the vines — history has taught us that suffering vines always produce the best wines.

A stunning vista that just happens to be great for vineyards

Early settlers established vast networks of horse and cattle ranches and prospered until harsh winds, brutal temperatures, and arid conditions plagued the region for decades. Fast-forward to the early 1970s when Don and Linda Mercer planted the first grapes. They were the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in what is now known as the “Champoux Vineyard,” one of Washington State’s most famous and celebrated vineyards.

The Mercer family is a true steward of the land. They’re farmers and certainly viticulturists; however, they prefer to be considered Agriculturists — adhering to strict environmental and social values to respect and protect the land. In addition to world-class wine production, their diversified holdings span 12,000 acres of farmland along the Columbia River — including acres of carrots, garlic, corn. kale, wheat, potatoes, onions, and broccoli.

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
In the glass, this Cab is stunning! On the nose, aromas of mocha, black and red berry compote combine with hints of baking spice and subtle notes of smoky oak spice. The gorgeous red and black fruit notes on the middle palate are framed by chocolate, coffee, and gentle oak spice, all nicely lingering through the lengthy finish. The palate is super silky, with perfectly ripe, powdery tannins, making this lush Cab equally suitable for casual sipping or pairing with your favorite steak.

If you’re a West Coast Cab lover, don’t miss this one. I source this through the same connections that bring us many of our fantastic deals from Europe, so the quality-price ratio with this one is off the charts.

2017 Red Blend
In the glass, this velvety blend of 50% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Mourvedre opens with aromas of mocha, black and red berry compote combine with hints of baking spice and subtle smoky oak spice framing the plush fruit.

The gorgeous red and blue fruit notes on the middle palate are framed by plum, blueberry jam, vanilla, and gentle oak spice, all nicely lingering through the lengthy finish. The palate is super silky, with perfectly ripe, soft tannins, making this smooth Blend equally suitable for casual sipping or pairing with your favorite foods from the grill.

$16.99

$ 14

In a mixed or solid case

Can't make it in? Call 828-253-0060 with your credit card number.
We'll hold your purchase in our temperature controlled cellar for pickup at your convenience
or we'll arrange for delivery.

$13.59

$ 14

In a mixed or solid case

Can't make it in? Call 828-253-0060 with your credit card number.
We'll hold your purchase in our temperature controlled cellar for pickup at your convenience
or we'll arrange for delivery.