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Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2017 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $34
By Great Northwest Wine on January 26, 2022
In addition to celebrating a victory in the Apple Cup by her alma mater, grower/winemaker Deborah Hansen can use her ninth career Platinum — her fifth in the past two years — to toast the 20th anniversary of her winery. The Cougar Hills Vineyard she planted 25 years ago with her husband, David, is allowed to shine with complex aromas and flavors of dusty black cherry, cassis, rose petals and cedar. Dried herbs, white pepper and mint emerge on the round, savory and bright finish. Award: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).
Rating: Platinum, 92 points
Production: 186 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
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