Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/359372
1 10 / the tasting panel / august 2014 SPEED TASTING REPORT A FAMILY TRADITION MERCER 2012 PINOT GRIS, YAKIMA VALLEY ($12) F arming since 1886 and growing grapes for more than 40 years, the Mercer Family is committed to the land at its three chosen vineyard sites in Horse Heaven Hills, Yakima Valley and Columbia Valley. Employing an array of award-winning sustainability and conservation practices focused on water, soil, fertility and waste management, the family also continues to research further efforts. The grapes for this 2012 Pinot Gris experienced an abnormally warm season resulting in a longer hang time before harvest. Gently pressed from the skins, the juice was then able to rest for two days before racking and cool fermenting for ten days. The Sippers Say: Aromas of stone fruit: peach and apricot. Flavors of soft citrus like orange blossom and honeysuckle. Honey flavors; light and creamy on the palate. —Jared Sowinski A barnyard funk nose, with bright citrus, lemon and refreshing grapey gooseberry. —Ramon Rice An earthy blue cheese nose followed by citrus, stone fruit and peach; light acid and toasty oak. —Veronica Trujillo SWEET AND SUNNY MERCER 2012 RIESLING, YAKIMA VALLEY ($10) O ffering a cooler climate due to its proximity to the Cascade Mountains, the Mercer's partnership Yakima Valley vineyard, named Sunnyside Vineyard, spans 140 acres with 22 distinct, organized blocks. A slightly warmer-than-average year and a warm, dry September allowed for even ripening and longer hang time for the fruit of this 2012 Riesling. Harvested in the cool, early morning, the fruit was then sent directly to the press. After fermenting for ten days, the separate lots were blended. The Sippers Say: Green apple and citrus nose. Sweet, medium-plus acidity and long finish on the palate. —Andrew Fritz Gasoline, petrol, semi-sweet and dry. Well balanced with fruit and acid. —Taylor Chandler Sour tart nose with petrol. Apples! Sugar! More apples! On the palate, if it's not Austrian, it should be. Pair with schnitzel and sausage. —Peter Kasperski Cally Mercer is a Sales Representative for Mercer Estates.