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Hightower Cellars 2009 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $25

March 22, 2013 by Great Northwest Wine Leave a Comment

Washington wineThe Hightowers crafted this wine using 80% Red Mountain grapes. Technically, they could have claimed it as being from the Red Mountain AVA, even though they blended 20% grapes from the Horse Heaven Hills. Regardless, they have put together a red wine that is the epitome of Washington Merlot. It combines depth, complexity and maturity while maintaining a certain level of boyish charm. On the nose, it opens with aromas of brown sugar, charcoal, violet and boysenberry, followed by flavors of blueberry milkshake, black currant, cola, black licorice and dark chocolate. Silky tannins and magnificent acidity back up the ample fruit and oak. This is drinking beautifully right now.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 150 cases

Alcohol: 14.2%

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Filed Under: Latest wine reviews, Outstanding, Washington

About Great Northwest Wine

Articles credited to Great Northwest Wine are authored by Eric Degerman and other contributors. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

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