
A decade ago, Great Northwest Wine named the Mercer 2010 Spice Cabinet Vineyard Malbec as its No. 1 wine on its Top 100 list for 2013. This showing adds evidence that this vineyard overlooking Crow Butte Park and the Columbia River remains a garden spot for Bordeaux variety. Aromas of black and maraschino cherries are joined by tobacco, cocoa, bergamot and Earl Grey tea. Pronounced black fruit flavors are led by cherry and mulberry, and the secondary notes include bergamot, Horse Heaven Hills dust and a fascinating sense of salinity. A lick of dark chocolate helps explain the finish. It’s satisfying on its own, but it will also pair well alongside grilled red meats or fine chocolates. Qualifying awards: San Francisco Chronicle (gold), Sip Magazine Best of Northwest (platinum/best of class) Pacific Rim International (gold).
Rating: Platinum • 93 points
Production: 172 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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