Judges at the 2018 New York International Wine Competition loved the Penrose Hill Merlot. They loved it so much that it was named the Washington State Merlot Winery of the year, and this wine was awarded a Double Gold medal! The defining feature of Washington geography and climate is the Cascade Mountain Range. As you drive east lush greenery gives way to a desert-like climate. The mountains block the eastern winds, acting like an umbrella, creating a small pocket perfect for viticulture in the “rain shadow.” With two more hours of sunlight per day than Napa Valley, and very little rain the vines are forced to struggle, and that’s a good thing. These stressed vines produce finer wines with more concentrated flavors. The Penrose Hill 2016 Merlot is rich with powerful fruit and sturdy tannins. It’s great with food or on its own, at Firstleaf we can’t get enough of it.