Traditionally, this wine under its erstwhile “tulip label” was found in grocery stores for less than $15, which makes this a Best Buy! That’s an outstanding bargain as Rob Griffin pulls from Alder Ridge, Black Rock, Lonesome Spring Ranch and his estate Caroway Vineyard east of Kennewick, Wash. His skilled use of oak imparts beautiful hints of dark chocolate, cinnamon bark and brown sugar along with fruity notes of black cherry, ripe strawberry and blueberry taffy. Unlike many examples of Merlot from Washington, this carries a lighter and silky tannin structure that’s surrounded by luscious cherries and sweet purple fruit. The velvety mouth feel finishes with milk chocolate.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 2,500 cases
Alcohol: 14.6%
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