Merlot
Theorem Vineyards
Diamond Mountain District Merlot 2017
Peter Dipoli
Fihl Alto Adige Merlot 2016
A wine that makes Merlot justice. Peter Dipoli Fihl, another very honest wine in the portfolio of Peter Dipoli. Transparent in its expression, fresh fruit red and black fruit with an underlying spiciness and savoury quality that brings complexity. Good energy on the palate with soft and ripe but present tannins and a fresh core that directs the wine across the finish line. Unique, yet representative. Damn delicious and well worth seeking out! — 7 days ago
Walla Walla Vintners
Walla Walla Valley Merlot 2016
Another one for a “night after” Friendsgiving with turkey & dumpling soup. One of the most underrated wines in Washington state. When you hear people say “Washington Merlot is different”, this is the place to discover it. Nose is wonderfully complex with bing cherry & red currants along with an herbal, almost minty streak. The palate follows with more red fruit and some spicy oak notes which add complexity, but never overwhelm the wine. Excellent. — 11 days ago
Wilder
Merlot Columbia Valley 2017
Color of slightly dark ruby, clear with a bit bloody orange tone. Nose of prune, cranberries, a bit vanilla, a bit cherry jam, very low alcohol. Taste is light and follows the nose, with addition of zesty flavors like tangerine skin, a bit sweet vanilla and just a bit peppery. Aftertaste is also sweet, a bit spicy, and fruity sweetness. Light and sweet Merlot. — 17 days ago
Long Shadows Wineries
Pedestal Columbia Valley Merlot 2006
The 2006 ‘Pedestal’ is a sinfully good warm vintage Merlot by superstar enological consultant Michel Rolland that is drinking marvelously at now thirteen years of age. Following a long decant, the Merlot slowly unveils ripe black currants that combine with sandalwood, cigar ash and Turkish coffee aromatics that meld together in the glass. The palate has tremendous freshness and verve considering its age, as this silky wine effortlessly glide across the mid-palate. Still showing serious power and concentration, the ‘Pedestal’ leads with a deep core of dark fruits that mingle with suggestions of milk chocolate, pipe tobacco, leather and anise flavors that sing in harmony. Fantastic now, this beautiful wine has at least another decade of life left. Drink 2019-2028- 94 — 15 days ago
Arietta
Artists' Reserve One Eleven Merlot 2016
Arietta Wines lunch with owner Fritz. We were able to taste through some current releases as well as some reserve wines Fritz brought with him personally. A treat to enjoy these Andy Erickson wines!
In the running for my favorite red out of the flight. Basically a copy of the normal Hudson merlot but wrapped in a velvet like structure. Glycerin and elixir like in how plush and sexy it is. Added density and heft. Built really big but lots of restraint. Would love to try this again in 10yrs. — 17 days ago
Pride Mountain Vineyards
Napa County Sonoma County Merlot 2011
Not as rich as the other vintages I’ve tasted, this 2011 bottling showoffs its fruity and fresh side. Plum, raspberry jam, cherry, cassis, graphite, and hint of chocolate and smoke. Palate was fresh and lively, with round acidity that had a minty feel.
This is delicious, but lacking a bit complexity that I’ve come to expect from this Merlot. I probably did not do it justice by decanting it for only about 30 minutes, because the guests could not wait. — a day ago
Shay A
Thanksgiving wine number two. A total baby, but wanted to check in on it since it’s the first vintage for merlot from the Theorem team (and I love their other wines). Toes the line between being a “cab lovers merlot” and a classic merlot. Dusty, baked mixed berry pie, high percentage dark chocolate, violets and cedar on the nose. Due to its age, oak plays a big role up front but softens toward the middle and finish. The fruit, mainly red and black, is underripe and tart...black cherries, dark plums, currant, dates and a dash of baking spices. Benefitted nicely from a decant. — 11 days ago