San Juan Vineyards 2010 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills, $19
Two prime spots in the Horse Heaven Hills — Destiny Ridge and Coyote Canyon — make up this lighter-styled, minimal oak Merlot from island winemaker Chris Primus. The nose features cherry fruit leather, plum, blueberry, raspberry, rose petal and saddle leather. High-toned red fruit is the focus on palate with black cherry, boysenberry and cranberry, and his use of Cabernet Franc (16%) carries hints of dried herbs, which adds to its food-friendly profile. Serve this with Italian-based dishes featuring red sauce, and Primus also suggests enjoying it with popcorn.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 454 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
Lots of love for Merlot. Several of your recently are new to me. I am looking forward to trying them. Several of my favs, in addition to Kyra’s Estate Merlot, wonder if you had the opportunity to try them…are: Dunham Cellars, Januik, Kontos, LongShadow’s “Pedestal”, Pepperbridge, Reininger, Seven Hills, Sineann, and of course, Leonetti Cellar, L’Ecole!?!
Hi, Bill. We do taste a lot of these wines. However, this group included Merlots we’ve tasted in the past few weeks.
To Whom It May Concern:
I really enjoy your website and this story and review in particular as I enjoy well made Washington Merlot. I’m blown away by the quality and value of the Columbia Winery 2012 Merlot. This is a juicy, plummy wine that gets better after being open for at least three days. I hope other wineries take note as this a great example of Merlot, especially at this price point. I can’t wait to see the evolution of Sean Hails (Columbia Winery Winemaker)wines over these next few years. A very promising future for this winery indeed!
Best,
Jeff Curry
Gig Harbor, WA
Thanks, Jeff. We appreciate the great feedback.
We’ve now tasted the Columbia wines three or four times, mostly under blind tasting conditions, and they are delicious. Add in the price point, and I think Gallo has a winner here.