Mercer Estates Winery 2009 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $24
The Wahluke Slope, rather than the Mercer family’s estate vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills, did most of the heavy lifting for this cherry-filled Merlot that’s supported by Cabernet Sauvignon (14%), Syrah (6%) and Petit Verdot. An 18-month program of French and American oak made for black cherry, vanilla, toast and minerality. Assertive tannins are found on the attack to the palate, which is followed by red currant, cranberry and pie cherry juice.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 1,018 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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.