Few winemakers in the Willamette Valley would want to bother with Merlot grown on the other side of the Cascades, but this electrical engineer from Florida enjoys the challenge. The effort here by Chris Barnes is remarkable and expressive with hints of cinnamon toast and nutmeg wafting over flavors of Bing cherry and President plum with bittersweet chocolaty tannins and a sense of caramelized custard. Suggested pairings include grilled flat iron steak with blue cheese butter. Qualifying award: Savor NW (gold)
Rating: Platinum • 93 points
Production: 90 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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