Arbor Crest Wine Cellars 2011 Four Vineyards Merlot, Columbia Valley, $18
This Spokane Valley showpiece was one of Washington state’s first second-generation wineries, and winemaker Kristina Mielke-van Löben Sels used this quartet of four historic sites — Bacchus, Conner Lee, Dionysus and Klipsun — to make a Merlot that sings. Tantalizing aromas of cherry and plum gather up milk chocolate and black pepper. On the palate, the melody is one of bright flavors hinting at black cherry, boysenberry and cranberry amid a structure of smooth tannins and pomegranate acidity. Suggested pairings include pepper steak. This wine received a gold medal at the 2014 Seattle Wine and Food Experience Wine Competition.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 2,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.8%
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