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Henry Earl Estates 2011 Merlot, Red Mountain, $38

By on May 25, 2015

Henry-Earl-Estates-2011-MerlotTwo of Red Mountain’s most significant figures — grower Dick Shaw and winemaker Charlie Hoppes — collaborate on this release under the Shaw family’s young label in Walla Walla. While Shaw focuses most of his plantings on Cabernet Sauvignon, here he’s featuring Merlot from his estate. The 24-month barrel program of 30% new French oak helps build the nose of dark toast, vanilla and mocha with dusty blackberry and minerality. On the palate, it’s rich and luscious with black cherry, dark plum and Western serviceberry flavors as sandy tannins, fresh-ground espresso and blueberry combine for a delicious finish. These wines are not only available in the Shaws’ tasting room in downtown Walla Walla, but also in their hometown of Gig Harbor at Brix 25 Restaurant and Harbor Greens Market.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 120 cases

Alcohol: 14.7%

Winery website

About Great Northwest Wine

Articles authored by Great Northwest Wine are co-authored by Eric Degerman and Andy Perdue. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

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