This Hood River, Ore., producer has been on a roll of late, exemplified by its four Platinums in 2021 — all for work with red Bordeaux varieties. Some of it can be attributed to owner Robb Bell’s exploration in Washington vineyards for some of the red wines. Now, Sonoma-based winemaker Michael Sebastiani gets to incorporate prized Elephant Mountain Vineyard in the Yakima Valley into his Merlot. The profile is dark, ripe, smooth and long, loaded with blackberry, plum and blueberry, supported by mocha and some savory sage. Enjoy with braised ribs, flatbreads or a falafel burger.
Rating: Gold medal – 92 points
Production: 550 cases
Alcohol: 14.3%
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