Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Merlot, Lewis-Clark Valley, $25
Until May 20, 2016, the Umikers would have been required to use “Idaho/Washington” as the American Viticultural Area on the label. Now they are able to embrace the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA for this Merlot, a mix of their own vineyard in the Lewiston Orchards and the young Rock n’ J Vineyard — the easternmost planting in Washington state near the town of Asotin. The Umikers’ devotion to American oak shows here, a program of 17 months in 30% new barrels. That creates a theme of vanilla bean, dark toast, caramel and spice box along with sweet cherries and red pepper flakes. Fine-grained tannins allow for a mouth-filling finish of black cherry, bittersweet chocolate and toast.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 208 cases
Alcohol: 14.9%
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