Merry Cellars 2013 Seven Hills Vineyard Carménère, Walla Walla Valley, $36
Palouse winemaker Patrick Merry waited three weeks longer to harvest his Carménère from renowned Seven Hills Vineyard in 2013 than the previous vintage, but he stayed with his barrel regimen, which was 16 months in new Hungarian oak (70%) and American oak. Beautiful aromas open with dusty red currant and wild strawberry, followed by green peppercorns, forest floor and black olive with a trail of patchouli. The entry is dark and brambly with black raspberry joined by black cherry. Herbal notes of celery leaf are met with pleasing tannins, backed by dark chocolate, toasted walnut and pie cherry. Serve with elk, osso bucco, bacon-wrapped pork loin or meatloaf.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 259 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
Leave a Reply