Two of the Walla Walla Valley’s most respected winemakers — Roger Cockerline of Bunchgrass fame and Walla Walla Vintners co-founder Gordy Venneri — work in tandem on this ultra-boutique label for the Neher family. Labeled as a tribute to the late Richard Neher, a longtime high school principal, the proprietary name would indicate that this is a red blend. However, in this … [Read more...] about Neher Family Wines 2019 Principal Red, Columbia Valley $32.00
merlot
Northwest Merlot remains memorable in talented hands
It’s rare for a wine writer to receive gratitude for conducting a judging focused on an already-famous grape, but Merlot could still use a PR agent nearly two decades after being miscast in the Oscar-winning Sideways. “Thank you for holding a Merlot-focused tasting,” a vintner wrote. “One movie did so much damage to a wonderful varietal.” Another replied, “Very cool to … [Read more...] about Northwest Merlot remains memorable in talented hands
Sherman Winery 2018 Merlot Reserve, Horse Heaven Hills $38.00
Brad Sherman of Michael Florentino Cellars in Woodinville launched this label to showcase the Bordeaux-inspired wines he crafts with Jared Welchel, and they selected their top barrels of Merlot from Destiny Ridge Vineyard to earn gold medals for bottlings from the 2017 vintage as well as this one from 2018. Medium toast gives way to an expression of Marionberry, blueberry, rose … [Read more...] about Sherman Winery 2018 Merlot Reserve, Horse Heaven Hills $38.00
Château Ste. Michelle 2017 Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $24.00
Ste. Michelle first planted this site in the Horse Heaven Hills in 1991, and for the first 35 years of its life, all of the 559 acres were managed by Mimi Nye. The label reflects the winds that swirl up from the Columbia Gorge, which provide natural pest control and help Canoe Ridge Estate achieve its Salmon-Safe designation. Brian Mackey and his red wine team deftly use a … [Read more...] about Château Ste. Michelle 2017 Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $24.00
14 Hands Winery 2018 The Reserve Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $40.00
Keith Kenison, who has enjoyed a 30-year career with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, produces these wines below the northern slopes of the Horse Heaven Hills, and it's a 100 percent expression of Merlot from the Horse Heaven Hills above. Remarkable layers of Bing cherry, Marionberry jam and toast pick up a stream of Montmorency cherry juice to check the hedonistic entry to the … [Read more...] about 14 Hands Winery 2018 The Reserve Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $40.00