- Tinte Cellars donation drive for Ukraine enters final week
- Jackson Family Wines invests in Walla Walla vines, wines
- 2022 Idaho Winery of the Year: Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery
- 2022 Idaho Winery to Watch: Rivaura Vineyards and Winery
- 2022 Washington Winery of the Year: Westport Winery Garden Resort
- 2022 Washington Winery to Watch: Liberty Lake Wine Cellars
- 2022 Oregon Winery of the Year: Chris James Cellars
- Long path of Andrew Riechers leads to early acclaim for Audeant Wines
- The Wine Knows: Upchurch hits sweet spot with Cab on Red Mountain
- Northwest Merlot remains memorable in talented hands
Columbia Winery 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $17
Canadian native Sean Hails has made more wine than most as a result of his years of work in California on behalf of Gallo. His latest release of Merlot for the Woodinville showpiece also ranks as one of the largest in Washington. It hints at dark currants and cherries in the aromas with lavender, jasmine and smoked meats – perhaps a sign of the Syrah (11%). There’s a match on the palate with dusty tannins and Montmorency cherry in the finish. Its lower profile of alcohol, despite the hot 2013 vintage, helps set the table for suggested pairings with tenderloin medallions in a huckleberry glaze, roasted chicken or cannelloni with Italian sausage.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 47,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
Subscribe to Thursday’s Wine of the Week newsletter
0 comments