Len Parris grew up in Richland, Wash., near Red Mountain and established his 40-acre vineyard on a nearby bluff overlooking the Yakima River. Merlot is one of the six varieties he grows, and this bottling is among the Northwest’s most decorated examples. It’s fabulously balanced and flirty with perfectly ripe strawberries, a hint of candied ginger, baking spices and a solid … [Read more...] about Chandler Reach Vineyards 2019 Chandler Reach Vineyard Estate Merlot, Yakima Valley $35
merlot
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2018 Merlot, Columbia Valley $36
Fourth-generation winemaker Michael Sebastiani’s experience with crafting Merlot in Sonoma translates to more success for this Hood River winery, but his job was made much easier by working with Merlot from Elephant Mountain Vineyard near Yakima, Wash. It’s beautifully structured, dense and earthy with blueberry, dark plum and Marionberry. A pinch of sage adds a nice herbal … [Read more...] about Cathedral Ridge Winery 2018 Merlot, Columbia Valley $36
Winescape 2018 Merlot, Columbia Valley $32
In less than 20 minutes, a drive from downtown Spokane will get you to Winescape and a world away on the South Hill — providing a new and relaxing experience for Lilac City wine lovers. Microbiologist-turned-winemaker Philip Butterfield strikes a perfect pitch with this Merlot, a variety that he’s used to win best-of-class at the Washington State Wine Competition. There’s a … [Read more...] about Winescape 2018 Merlot, Columbia Valley $32
Abeja 2019 Merlot, Columbia Valley $50
Sagemoor’s Dionysus Vineyard contributed to an assortment of Platinums in 2022, and it led the way on this effort by Dan Wampfler and his wife, Amy, who also blended Dionysus with grapes from its sibling planting Bacchus, historic Ciel du Cheval on Red Mountain and Abeja’s own vineyards. Dark cherry and currant fruitiness join with truffle and a sense of summertime in the … [Read more...] about Abeja 2019 Merlot, Columbia Valley $50
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2019 Mermaid Merlot, Rattlesnake Hills $32
It’s rather fitting that the reigning Washington Winery of the Year — and home to the International Mermaid Museum — tops the charts of the Merlot category at the Platinum from esteemed Elephant Mountain Vineyard above the Yakima Valley. The nose is as alluring as a siren’s call with rose petals, black currant, blueberry and oak spice, which encourage a deep dive into its huge … [Read more...] about Westport Winery Garden Resort 2019 Mermaid Merlot, Rattlesnake Hills $32