Mercer & Hogue Team Up to Form Mercer Estates

If you know anything about Washington wines, the names Mercer and Hogue should suggest excellence among those in the State’s wine industry. Combine the two and throw in a winemaker with over 20 years of experience and you have all the ingredients for a potentially great new winery.

That’s the story behind Mercer Estates, which released its inaugural set of wines earlier this year. Located in Prosser, the winery is a partnership owned by the Mercer and Hogue families. The Mercer family has been growing grapes since the early 1970’s – with wines from their Champoux Vineyards consistently earning critical acclaim – while Mike Hogue built The Hogue Cellars into the second largest winery in the state prior to its sale in 2001.

Also on board is winemaker David Forsyth, who spent 23 years at The Hogue Cellars before joining the team at Mercer Estates. Forsyth sources his grapes from the Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, and Horse Heaven Hills Appellations.

Hot off the press is the winery’s 2007 Chardonnay (about $18), an exquisite wine with wonderful mouth feel. It has a lovely fragrance of lemon chiffon, flavors of pear and baked apple, and a rich, creamy finish with a hint of macadamia nut. This wine is so new to Whatcom County that it’s just beginning to hit the shelves at local grocers. Look for it at the Food Pavilion in Fairhaven and the Ferndale Haggen.

Also currently available is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (about $24), with a pleasant cherry/vanilla aroma followed compact flavors of red cherry, bittersweet chocolate, and licorice. Not only will this wine pair well with foods including steak, roast beef, and medium-aged cheeses, it also carries excellent cellaring potential.

Other current releases include a 2005 Merlot and the 2007 vintages of Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc. If you don’t find Mercer Estates wines at your wine shop or grocer simply ask for them by name and they can ordered and in stock within about three days.