While the 2021 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year is nationally known for Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, Ed King’s team — led by Brent Stone — also does award-winning bottlings of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and this Merlot. Here is the only expression from the 2015 vintage to go gold in this tasting, but its sourcing from Sagemoor farms at Weinbau Vineyard on Washington’s … [Read more...] about King Estate Winery 2015 Weinbau Vineyard Merlot, Columbia Valley $50.00
merlot
Mellisoni Vineyards 2018 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Barrel Select Reserve Merlot, Royal Slope $150.00
The 2021 Washington Winery of the Year opened 2022 by producing one of the top Merlots in this tasting. Rob and Donna Mellison doted on these eight barrels of juice courtesy of Napa-trained viticulturist Ed Kelly. The hedonistic presentation of dark red fruit comes with elegant tannins and sensational acidity. “They really dialed in on the balance,” remarked one judge. And … [Read more...] about Mellisoni Vineyards 2018 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Barrel Select Reserve Merlot, Royal Slope $150.00
Hightower Cellars 2018 Merlot, Red Mountain $33.00
Tim and Kelly Hightower have gone Platinum with Merlot in 2020 and 2021, and they’ve qualified for this fall’s 2022 judging with this bottling from the 2018 vintage. While their estate Out of Line Vineyard serves as the foundation, there’s also a significant contribution from E&E Shaw Vineyard — recently purchased by the Gamble family. All of the clone 14 and 15 fruit was … [Read more...] about Hightower Cellars 2018 Merlot, Red Mountain $33.00
Welcome Road Winery 2019 Merlot, Rattlesnake Hills $30.00
Leigh McMillan is in her second decade as a Washington winemaker, and she’s recently invested more deeply in her relationship with Yakima Valley vineyards managed by Patrick Rawn. Black cherry cola, vanilla bean and a light amount of toast lead the descriptors of this dark drink that’s backed by a harmonious interplay of silky tannins and boysenberry acidity. Our judges believe … [Read more...] about Welcome Road Winery 2019 Merlot, Rattlesnake Hills $30.00
Barrister Winery 2018 Bacchus Vineyard Merlot, Columbia Valley $33.00
The Bacchus planting at historic Sagemoor Vineyard contributed to a number of the top wines in our exploration of Northwest Merlot, and the Spokane triumvirate of owner/winemakers Greg Lipsker, Michael White and Tyler Walters again showed how the gentle vibrations from the adjacent train trestle help to create boldly flavored red with phenomenal mouth feel. The 32 months in … [Read more...] about Barrister Winery 2018 Bacchus Vineyard Merlot, Columbia Valley $33.00