- Merlot
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.60% alc./vol
Rue Naujac Merlot Lot 33 Columbia Valley 2019
12 bottles per case
Bold & Earthy
Born and raised in the New World but influenced by his time in Bordeaux, this Columbia Valley Merlot represents Nicholas’s story in a bottle - New World terroir meets old world "savoir faire".
Rue Naujac is the street Nicholas lived on while studying/working in France and Bordeaux is the country's 33rd department, both of which gave the inspiration for the name and lot #! He would always make reference to the "33" as a slang name for the city of Bordeaux (like THE6IX), always to the amusement of his French entourage.
Medium-bodied, elegant and complex, offering aromas of Christmas spice, plum, red currants, with hints of raspberry & espresso. The mouthfeel is luxurious with vanilla, cocoa, black cherry, and fine grain tannins leading into a fresh and balanced finish. This Merlot was aged for six months in barrels (30% new).
Pair with BBQ meats, rich stews or steak.
About the Winery
Pearce Family Wines
In the early 2000's Nicholas Pearce was exposed to the garagiste movement in Bordeaux and was particularly inspired by négociants like Jean Luc Thunevin (Saint Emilion), James Sichel (Margaux) and Nicolas Potel (Beaune) from Burgundy.
After returning home to Ontario and starting his own wine company, he has had a hand in making 10+ wines in two hemispheres, 3 countries and 5 different appellations since the 2013 vintage.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Wine importer Nicholas Peace’s once upon a time Bordeaux address is juxtaposed against Columbia Valley merlot fruit for a heady and also verdant example of a Washington state red. A bit reductive still and also a toasted wood chariness obscures the fruit at present but as they say, “this too shall pass.” Quality and substantial parts dictate the direction and so in 12-18 months the florals will open, the fruit will flesh and the wine will begin a course of proper action. Liking the finesse and the possibility. Drink 2024-2027. Tasted March 2023.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
The name is a nod to négociant and wine agent Nicholas Pearce's formative time spent in Bordeaux as 33 is the region's department number and Naujac, his street address. Pearce's collaborative merlot from Washington's Columbia Valley is impressively concentrated, full of ripe, fleshy fruit, wood spice and rich, voluminous tannins. The wine presents more new world than old world, is cleanly made and offers excellent length. Best now to 2026. Tasted April 2023.