Mercer Estates 2013 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills, $24
The Mercer family’s 525-acre Princeton Vineyard forms the base of this bottling with Merlot accounting for 80 percent, yet the supreme balanced is achieved through skillful blending with Syrah (17%) off their Dead Canyon site and a dab of Cab from the 5-acre Big Teepee Vineyard near their farm house. Barrel spice aromas with toast, root beer and cola fall in behind dark cherry and black currant notes. The appealing juice brings big flavors of cherry, dark blueberry and pomegranate that finish with vanilla, elderberry and tarragon.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 820 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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