Here's the definition of a true “reserve” program — winemaker Brad Sherman's best two barrels of Merlot from Destiny Ridge Vineyard. The prized planting of Alexandria Nicole Cellars owner Jarrod Boyle in the Horse Heaven Hills paves the way for a nicely structured red that exudes tones of mocha, dark cherry and strawberry fruit leather backed by mint and ground cinnamon. A late … [Read more...] about Sherman Winery 2017 Merlot Reserve, Horse Heaven Hills $38.00
merlot
Northstar Winery 2019 Merlot, Columbia Valley $41.00
Well into his third decade as the winemaker, David “Merf” Merfeld produced one of the most promising Merlots of our judging as Northstar celebrates the 20th anniversary of its vinification facility south of Walla Walla. A pair of Walla Walla Valley vineyards — Anna Marie and Spring Valley — were blended with acclaimed Shaw on Red Mountain and Four Feathers near Cold … [Read more...] about Northstar Winery 2019 Merlot, Columbia Valley $41.00
Seven Hills Winery 2019 SHW Founding Vineyard Merlot, Walla Walla Valley $50.00
History continues to smile upon this vineyard near the state line between Oregon and Washington, site of the Walla Walla Valley’s original planting of Merlot by the McClellan and Hendricks families. The effort and excitement sparked Casey McClellan to matriculate to the University of California-Davis and become the valley’s first classically trained winemaker, and this bottling … [Read more...] about Seven Hills Winery 2019 SHW Founding Vineyard Merlot, Walla Walla Valley $50.00
Winescape Wines 2018 Merlot, Columbia Valley $32.00
The Butterfields used Merlot from Bacchus Vineyard to win best of class at the 2020 Washington State Wine Competition, and their expression from the 2018 vintage now has earned a gold medal before its official release. An enticing blend of Bing cherry and Marionberry is joined by toast, clove and vanilla. The approach is brilliant and polished as the structure lends itself to … [Read more...] about Winescape Wines 2018 Merlot, Columbia Valley $32.00
Brian Carter Cellars 2016 Willard Family Vineyard 1 Merlot, Yakima Valley $65.00
Each vintage, renowned Woodinville blender Brian Carter singles out a variety that he will bottle on its own. Vastly underrated Willard Family Vineyard, a breadbasket for some of Washington’s largest producers, received “The One” treatment across four select barrels during the vintage that followed up the Northwest’s warmest growing season. Rewarding aromas of nicely ripened … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2016 Willard Family Vineyard 1 Merlot, Yakima Valley $65.00