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Columbia Winery 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $16

By on July 13, 2017

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%

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About Great Northwest Wine

Articles credited to Great Northwest Wine are authored by Eric Degerman and other contributors. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

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