These days, it seems Merlot does not receive as much love as it should, particularly in the Northwest where the big red native to Bordeaux remains a workhorse and the backbone for many blends. It’s no coincidence that one of our region’s most decorated wineries — Clearwater Canyon Cellars in Lewiston, Idaho – has bottled one of the best Merlots in the Pacific Northwest. Coco Umiker creates her Merlot using with three vineyards from the Lewis-Clark Valley – Arnett, Rock n’ J and Umiker, the estate farmed by her husband, Karl. After 17 months in 30% new American oak, there are deep red cherries, sweet purple plums and juicy blackberries that roll slowly and enticingly in the nose. Those dark fruit notes are joined by bittersweet chocolate, delivering a flavor and finish that are memorable and enjoyable. This earned a gold medal at the 2019 Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition for Wine Press Northwest magazine’s 2020 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 248 cases
Alcohol: 14.8%
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