Fortuity Cellars 2019 Merlot, Yakima Valley $32.00

Lee and Emily Fergestrom built their winery in the Yakima Valley, and they only source grapes from the Yakima Valley. The Rawn family’s Copeland Vineyard is less than 9 miles to the west as the crow flies, and young winemaker Alexis Sells helped produce one of the tasting’s most fruit-forward Merlots. Dark red fruit aromas are led by black cherry, currant jelly and nutmeg. There’s richness, depth and concentration on the palate, making for a remarkably heavy and plummy mouth feel that’s backed by bittersweet chocolaty tannins. While this bottling isn’t scheduled to be released until summer, it’s already outstanding. And it’s a remarkable follow up to Fortuity’s 2018 Merlot, which topped Sip Magazine’s Best of the Northwest 2021 judging.

Rating: Gold medal – 91 points

Production: 92 cases

Alcohol: 13.5%

Winery’s website

Related Posts

• 

  Winescape Wines 2017 Merlot, Columbia Valley $30.00
  Winescape Wines 2017 Merlot, Columbia Valley $30.00
• 

  The Miscreant Project 2018 The Right Bastard, Columbia Valley $19.00
  The Miscreant Project 2018 The Right Bastard, Columbia Valley $19.00
• 

  King Estate Winery 2015 Weinbau Vineyard Merlot, Columbia Valley $50.00
  King Estate Winery 2015 Weinbau Vineyard Merlot, Columbia Valley $50.00
• 

  Mellisoni Vineyards 2018 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Barrel Select Reserve Merlot, Royal Slope $150.00
  Mellisoni Vineyards 2018 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Barrel Select Reserve Merlot, Royal Slope $150.00