Lisa Baer’s continued support of Stillwater Creek Vineyard on the Royal Slope paved the way for Woodinville winemaker Erica Orr to turn this into gold. Orr’s restrained use of French oak (22% new) allows for the focus to remain on the fruit. Its elegance begins in the nose of Bing cherry, cassis and pencil shavings. A flavorful blend of cherry jam and boysenberry shine from … [Read more...] about Baer Winery 2017 Star Merlot, Columbia Valley $36.00
merlot
Tamarack Cellars 2017 Merlot, Columbia Valley $30.00
Danny Gordon continues to maintain the high standards of founding winemaker Ron Coleman with this darkly purple beauty from the brand that pays tribute to Walla Walla airport’s historic World War II firehouse. Napa-based Vintage Wine Estates invested wisely in Washington as its two brands in the state produced three of this tasting’s top examples of Merlot. This one comes … [Read more...] about Tamarack Cellars 2017 Merlot, Columbia Valley $30.00
Yakima Valley Vintners 2018 Dean’s List Merlot, Columbia Valley $30.00
In the nomenclature of Yakima Valley College’s winemaking program, the “Dean’s List” reference indicates the bottling of a reserve wine. Of the nine career Platinum awards won by students of Trent Ball and instructor emeritus Brad Smith, five were from the Dean’s List. Now, the 2018 vintage has qualified for this fall’s 2022 Platinum Awards, thanks to its layers of blackberry, … [Read more...] about Yakima Valley Vintners 2018 Dean’s List Merlot, Columbia Valley $30.00
Spangler Vineyards 2016 Merlot, Oregon $29.00
Not long after it was released, Patrick Spangler earned a Platinum for his work with this 2016 Merlot. Now, the 2018 Oregon Winery of the Year has qualified it for another round at Platinum Awards by earning a gold medal this winter. There’s remarkable brightness to the dark red fruit, which plays well with the charming profile provided by the barrel influences of baking spice … [Read more...] about Spangler Vineyards 2016 Merlot, Oregon $29.00
Owen Roe 2019 DuBrul Vineyard Merlot, Yakima Valley $56.00
The Shiels family of Côte Bonneville fame also sell a portion of their grapes to some of Washington's winemaking illuminati. That includes David O'Reilly, a longtime supporter of the Yakima Valley, going back to his days as an Oregon winemaker. It's a classic expression of Washington Merlot in its theme of dark cherry, blackberry, cola and notes of rose petal. There's harmony … [Read more...] about Owen Roe 2019 DuBrul Vineyard Merlot, Yakima Valley $56.00