Obelisco Estate 2010 Merlot, Red Mountain, $45
Doug Long’s first vineyard/winery project turned out to be a rather successful one — David Arthur in the Napa Valley. He later retired to Gig Harbor, Wash., then a decade ago, he took an interest in Red Mountain and planted 30 acres. Later came a tasting room in Woodinville, meanwhile, he’s left the grapes in the hands of Pete Hedges and his niece, Sara Goedhart, who know Red Mountain as well as anyone. That shows with this gorgeous Merlot, which opens with cherries, black currant, dark plum, chocolate and vanilla spice. On the palate, the dark fruit theme plays out with pleasing richness and beautiful balance. There’s hedonism in the chocolaty finish, too. This wine won a gold medal at the 2014 Seattle Wine and Food Experience Wine Competition.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 292 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.