- 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 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $16
E. & J. Gallo Winery recently refreshed the brand for Columbia Winery, the second revision since it purchased the historic Washington winery in 2012, and the artwork for this National Collection tier pulls in some elements of the logo from the 1980s. This bottling represents Sean Hails’ third vintage with Merlot in the Evergreen State, and the longtime Gallo winemaker started his work from this steamy vintage with a 48-hour cold soak, followed by an 11-day fermentation that touched 90 degrees. His final blend included Syrah (8%) and Malbec (5%) to create a theme of cherry jam, fresh cranberry and strawberry-rhubarb compote. Juicy and lingering tannins lead to a finish of Celestial Seasonings Red Zinger tea and blackberry. Through Aug. 31, Columbia Winery will donate $4 per case of wine sold in Oregon and Washington to Seattle Children’s Hospital as part of its fundraising for the Auction of Washington Wines. The Columbia Cares program includes the Columbia Winery Charity Walk & Run – formerly known as the Covey Run. Enjoy this Merlot with lamb chops, braised meats, pork loin with cherry sauce or Blue Cheese Burgers.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 12,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.7%
Subscribe to our Wine of the Week newsletter
0 comments