Tags
$42, 4 stars, 92 points, columbia valley, merlot, washington
Medium garnet, this 4 year old Merlot is starting to show a bit of age already. The nose has some tertiary notes starting to come alive but there is still loads of primary and secondary aromas of black plum, bramble, black raspberry, vanilla, sage and violets. The palate is dry with medium acidity and gritty, medium (+) tannins. The brambly fruit character is there along with vanilla and spice, black raspberry and purple florals with signs of maturity by way of caramel and some desiccated plum. The body is quite full, not surprising since this bottle boasts a 14.5% ABV. The finish is velvety smooth and long with black raspberry dominating. I like the vanilla/oak note on the front end, but it disappears on the back end. Really delicious wine that I am pairing with corned beef since it’s St. Patricks day after all. 92 points from me for this $42 effort makes it a 4 star wine to drink till 2028. Salut….