Boomtown By Dusted Valley 2022 Merlot, Columbia Valley

The Boomtown 2022 Merlot doesn’t overstate. At first, you sense black cherry and blueberry compote shaded by a whisper of smoked cedar and graphite. Instead of perfume, it offers place—broad, honest, and calm.

On the palate, it carries a savory ease. Ripe fruit softens into leather and pepper-spiced plum, then a savory streak—paprika, cedar, a flicker of pork or peppered pastrami—anchors everything in soil and smoke. Tannins come firm but smooth, like leather across mineral. It’s structured but not stern.

This is not a vineyard hidden in the stones of history—it’s open, climbed, and resilient. Boomtown sources fruit from Cliffs Vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills, layered with estate parcels across cooler Yakima microclimates. At about 14% alcohol, it leans warm-sunned, but stands lifted by freshness.

This is Merlot built for presence, not pomp. Winemakers Chad Johnson and Corey Braunel call Boomtown Dusted Valley’s “little brother,” crafted to over-deliver and speak clearly. Think structured fruit with cool ripeness—not winery flash, but vineyard voice.

This is Merlot to pour with depth—not glossy—but with smoked meats, charred lamb, or a slow evening needing company. It stays with you afterward, not because it shouts, but because it does its quiet bit truly well.

Boomtown 2022 Merlot—Columbia Valley in flesh and quiet strength, not flourish.