Coastal winemaker Dana Roberts collaborates historic Red Willow Vineyard and Two Blondes - the estate vineyard of acclaimed maritime winemaker Chris Camarda of famed Andrew Will - for this swimmingly easy-drinking Merlot. Bing cherries, cocoa powder, mint and brushy aromas lead to a jammy tasting profile of strawberry and raspberry with chocolaty oak. Plush and sandy tannins … [Read more...] about Westport Winery Garden Resort 2014 Mermaid Merlot, Yakima Valley, $28
Washington
Wit Cellars 2015 Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $22
The hits keep coming from Wit Cellars, an exciting new winery in Prosser, Wash., that features winemakers Flint Nelson and Carolina Warwick. They combined forces at Kestrel Vintners before launching their own brand, and their connections within the industry granted them access to prized Evergreen Vineyard for many of their white wines, including this fruit-forward Chardonnay. … [Read more...] about Wit Cellars 2015 Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $22
Claar Cellars 2013 White Bluffs Merlot, Columbia Valley, $22
The Claar-Whitelatch family seized upon the early opportunity to harvest its Merlot during warm 2013 vintage, picking from its Salmon-Safe and estate White Bluffs Vineyard on Sept. 5. Barrel aging for 18 months makes for a dense nose of dusty blueberry and Marionberry with brown sugar, black pepper, Graham cracker and a whiff of wild game. Inside, it’s definitely a Washington … [Read more...] about Claar Cellars 2013 White Bluffs Merlot, Columbia Valley, $22
Airfield Estates 2013 Reserve Merlot, Yakima Valley, $25
One of the oldest vineyard plantings in Washington state is at the Miller family’s historic Airport Ranch site along the foothills of the Rattlesnake Hills, and their work with Merlot stems back to the late 1970s as an early grower for Ste. Michelle. This release from the first of three hot vintages opens with aromas of pomegranate syrup and cherry taffy backed by chalkboard … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2013 Reserve Merlot, Yakima Valley, $25
Mercer Canyons 2014 Red Blend, Horse Heaven Hills, $14
Best Buy! The Mercer family, sparked by the winemaking talents of Washington State University grad Jessica Munnell, is growing this refreshed brand across the nation. Wines of this quality at such a price point bode well for the future. This six-variety blend is steered by Merlot (59%), but there are delectable contributions by Syrah (16%), Grenache (10%), Sangiovese (7%), … [Read more...] about Mercer Canyons 2014 Red Blend, Horse Heaven Hills, $14