When we staged a comparative tasting of Northwest Merlot last winter, we didn’t expect to see a Merlot from the Kings of Pinot. It struck gold in that judging and then went Platinum this fall. Winemaking COO Brent Stone worked with the Sagemoor team that owns Weinbau Vineyard on Washington’s Wahluke Slope for this effort, and it displays many of the qualities that make Merlot charming. Dark cherry and blackberry notes are joined by light toast and vanilla, and the rounded tannins make it easy to appreciate those tones, as does the juicy finish of blueberry and vanilla. Qualifying award: Great Northwest Wine comparative tasting (Outstanding!)
Rating: Platinum • 93 points
Production: 284 cases
Alcohol: 13.8%
Leave a Reply