Kiona Vineyards 2010 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $25
Even though the label lists the American Viticultural Area as “Columbia Valley,” Scott Williams used only Red Mountain fruit for this Merlot. He took 100% free-run juice and dropped it into 40% new oak for an expression that begins with whiffs of cherry jam, black currant, blackberry, tea leaves, white mushroom and allspice. The tilt delivers a mouth-filling drink that’s not brashly tannic as the flavors touch on blackberry jam, black currant, blueberry and pepper.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 477 cases
Alcohol: 13.7%
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.