Prosser, WA – Mercer Wine Estates is proud to announce the inaugural release of Ali Mayfield’s first vintage of Aromatic White Wines for the winery. This exciting new collection showcases Mayfield’s artistry and precision, marking a milestone both for the winery and her distinguished winemaking career.
The 2024 vintage features five unique offerings:
- Small Lot Sauvignon Blanc – A vibrant, refreshing wine with crisp notes of grapefruit, green apple, and lemon zest, balanced by a smooth, elegant mouthfeel.
- Sonova Sage Sauvignon Blanc – Made with organic grapes. Minerality and expressions of grapefruit and lime complemented by hints of green apple and thyme. The natural fermentation adds a delicate layer of complexity.
- Small Lot Viognier – Aromas of ripe apricot and pear are layered with subtle herbal undertones, leading to a textured palate with a soft, amphora-like richness.
- Horse Heaven Hills Heritage Series Orange Muscat (sourced from the esteemed Champoux Vineyards) – Released in celebration of Mercer Wine Estates’ 20th anniversary in the Horse Heaven Hills, this wine is intensely fragrant with orange blossom, apricot, and pear, finishing with a silky texture and bright acidity.
- Mercer RESERVE “Good Day” Chardonnay (Actually 2023) – This elegant Chardonnay greets the palate with ripe apple, pear, and lush tropical fruits like pineapple and peach. Hints of buttery richness add roundness, complementing the fresh fruit flavors without overwhelming them. This wine was finished by Ali Mayfield.
Mayfield, based in Richland, Washington, is widely recognized for her meticulous approach and artistic expression in winemaking. A graduate of Walla Walla Community College’s Viticulture and Enology program, Mayfield began her career under the mentorship of the late Stan Clarke. She has since refined her craft under renowned winemakers including Gilles Nicault, Kendall Mix, and French oenologist Claude Gros.
Her wines have been praised by leading critics such as Jeb Dunnuck, who commends their purity, elegance, richness, and depth. Mayfield’s philosophy emphasizes continuous improvement and attention to detail. As she explains, “Constantly striving to be better, pushing your boundaries, taking risks… that’s how you create beautiful wines.”
Rob Mercer, owner of Mercer Wine Estates, shares, “Ali brings a fresh yet methodical discipline to her winemaking that is both distinctive and exceptional. Her passion, expertise, and dedication to excellence make her a vital and inspiring presence in Washington’s winemaking community.”
The aromatic white wines can be found in both Washington Tasting Rooms in Prosser and Walla Walla and at www.MercerWine.com. Both Tasting Rooms offer white wine tasting flights including these wines.
The release of these aromatic whites kicks off Mercer Wine Estates’ 20th anniversary, a significant milestone for the family-owned winery. Since its first vintage in 2005, Mercer Wine Estates has remained committed to crafting high-quality, expressive New World wines while championing sustainability and innovation in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA.
About Mercer Wine Estates: Mercer Wine Estates is owned by Rob and Brenda Mercer in Prosser, Washington. The Mercer family has farmed the land in and around the Horse Heaven Hills since 1886, cultivating a legacy of stewardship, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainability.
Visit the two Tasting Rooms in Prosser and Walla Walla.
18 E Main Street, Walla Walla, WA 98362, 509-204-5450
3100 Lee Road, Prosser, WA 99350, 509-786-2097