14 Hands Winery 2018 The Reserve Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $40.00

Keith Kenison, who has enjoyed a 30-year career with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, produces these wines below the northern slopes of the Horse Heaven Hills, and it’s a 100 percent expression of Merlot from the Horse Heaven Hills above. Remarkable layers of Bing cherry, Marionberry jam and toast pick up a stream of Montmorency cherry juice to check the hedonistic entry to the palate, making for a finish that shows a purity of fruit. Suggested pairings include a New York strip, venison or braised lamb, while Ste. Michelle also points out there are 135 calories in a 5-ounce glass.

Rating: Gold medal – 91 points

Production: 503 cases

Alcohol: 14.5%

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