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Winescape Wines 2017 Merlot, Columbia Valley $30.00
A research scientist in his previous life, Phillip Butterfield now focuses his attention on crafting wine along Spokane’s South Hill in the Glenrose neighborhood. His work with Merlot produced a pair of gold medals in our tasting, with this 2017 bottling nudging past his 2018, and it’s another product of Bacchus Vineyard in the recently established White Bluffs appellation. There’s a feminine feel to this Merlot as its fuchsia appearance leads to charming red fruit tones akin to Chelan cherry, red currant and boysenberry with a dusting of baking spices. “There’s amazing balance with this wine,” remarked one judge. Suggested pairings include short ribs, roasted mushrooms and grilled vegetables.
Rating: Gold medal – 93 points
Production: 152 cases
Alcohol: 15.3%
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