Crossfork Creek Cellars

Merlot

8.751 ratings
8.84 pro ratings
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Byron C Mayes

Dark, glass-clinging purple. Plum and juicy blackberry on the inviting nose. Echoed on the medium-full palate which adds a touch of vanilla cobbler, medium plus tannins, and juicy medium plus acidity. Finish is medium long and continues the palate. A fine example of the bridge between California and Bordeaux that is Washington Merlot: New World fruit with Old World structure. Great upgrade to meatloaf and inexpensive cuts of beef. Wonderful in a cream sauce. Drink now through 2026.

Dark, glass-clinging purple. Plum and juicy blackberry on the inviting nose. Echoed on the medium-full palate which adds a touch of vanilla cobbler, medium plus tannins, and juicy medium plus acidity. Finish is medium long and continues the palate. A fine example of the bridge between California and Bordeaux that is Washington Merlot: New World fruit with Old World structure. Great upgrade to meatloaf and inexpensive cuts of beef. Wonderful in a cream sauce. Drink now through 2026.

Jan 21st, 2024
Byron C Mayes

Dark purple in the glass. Plush, dark plummy nose and palate lead into a mouthfilling bundle of fruit and velvety tannins supported by medium plus acidity. “Tastes like a good, dark cherry,” says my dinner partner. And I agree. This is a fine example of what Washington can do with the Bordeaux varieties. A perfect partner for Filet Mignon or other light cuts of beef. Beef stew would be a fine pair as well. Keep this one around for the winter!

Dark purple in the glass. Plush, dark plummy nose and palate lead into a mouthfilling bundle of fruit and velvety tannins supported by medium plus acidity. “Tastes like a good, dark cherry,” says my dinner partner. And I agree. This is a fine example of what Washington can do with the Bordeaux varieties. A perfect partner for Filet Mignon or other light cuts of beef. Beef stew would be a fine pair as well. Keep this one around for the winter!

Dec 29th, 2018
Neal Ferry

Respectable night cap

Respectable night cap

Apr 2nd, 2023
Meagan Bright

Used to cook but enjoyed it after. Mild flavor oaky but pretty good

Used to cook but enjoyed it after. Mild flavor oaky but pretty good

Aug 21st, 2022
Brenton Loeffelman

Lovely, full bodied and rich.

Lovely, full bodied and rich.

Sep 19th, 2021
Nishith Jobanputra

Total Wines. Decent bouquet, very thin. Generic.

Total Wines. Decent bouquet, very thin. Generic.

Apr 29th, 2021
Heather

Smooth, subtle, dry. Chocolate and cherries
EDIT: I’ve gotten a second bottle, and both corks have been a bit crumbly/dry. Remove with caution.

Smooth, subtle, dry. Chocolate and cherries
EDIT: I’ve gotten a second bottle, and both corks have been a bit crumbly/dry. Remove with caution.

Dec 30th, 2020
Paul Karlik

Fruit with oak on back end. Opened well with steak

Fruit with oak on back end. Opened well with steak

Dec 25th, 2020
Andrew Edson

Very smooth and fruit forward. Didn’t know much about it but would get again

Very smooth and fruit forward. Didn’t know much about it but would get again

Feb 26th, 2020
Nick S
9.0

Pretty sweet, acids are definitely tempered after 5 years. Very plummy and cherry-y, tasty!

Pretty sweet, acids are definitely tempered after 5 years. Very plummy and cherry-y, tasty!

Jan 29th, 2020