Pedestal Columbia Valley Merlot

It's time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!


Dark Inky in color with a reddish/ purplish rim.

Fruity nose of black currants, black plums, cooked cherries, light dried fruits, cedar, light vanilla, herbs, licorice, spices, dark chocolates and light cola notes.

Full bodied and elegant, with medium acidity.

Dry and fruity on the palate with plums, black cherries, black currants, bitter herbs, earth, chocolates, cedar, eucalyptus, tobacco leaf, peppercorn and light vegetables.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a wonderful Merlot from Columbia Valley. Soft and fruit forward. Rich and nicely balanced.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after 90 minutes of air time.

This 8 year old Merlot is complex and spicy. Really enjoyed the nose at this point, and the high alcohol is well integrated by now.

Easy drinking and a good sipping wine. Will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years.

I had this vintage a few times before, and it is always delicious. I just love Michel Rolland wines.

A blend of 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in French oak barrels (85% new).

14.9% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$75.

Blend of 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon & 4% Petit Verdot, aged 22 months in 85% new French oak, deep Ruby with aromas of rich berry fruit, herb and spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry & black cherry with sweet spice, vanilla, licorice & cacao notes, rich & tangy. Soft full tannins, long finish ending with oak, sweet spice & earthy herbs. Just starting to drink now, will cellar for a decade.

Lovely merlot!! Very soft tanins and still very dark fruits!!

It's time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday.

This is a delicious Merlot from Columbia Valley. Big bold and beautiful.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Showing black plums, black currants, tobacco, cedar, vanilla, licorice, chocolates, spices and coffee.

Dry on the palate and very fruity.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.

This 5 year old will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years.

Extracted and bold. Fruit forward and opulent. Tasty and delicious.

Good by itself or with food. I had it with cheeses, olives and fresh fruit, but will pair very nicely with a big piece of steak.

A blend of 75% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in French Oak barrels.

14.9% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$65.

Time for a good Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Here's a delicious one from Washington State.

Deep purple in color with a short purplish rim.

Nose of black plums, cedar, chocolates, coffee, cooked cherries, leather, light vegetables, earth, licorice, black tea, tobacco and black pepper.

Full bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with blackberries, black currants, plums, cherries, chocolates, oak, vanilla, licorice, spices, tobacco, light vegetables, pencil lead and peppercorn.

Medium plus on the finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a very tasty Merlot from Columbia Valley. Nicely balanced with a great mouthfeel. Another delicious wine from Michel Rolland.

Still young, but already tasty. Drinking very nicely now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 10 years.

Good by itself or with food. Good right out of the bottle, but better after an hour of airtime, as the complexity comes in. Showing nice complexity already.

Wine Enthusiast 89 points.

Tangy and interesting. A Delicious wine.

A blend of 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in (85% new) French Oak barrels.

14.9% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$65.

Second bottle of this vintage - six months apart. Decanted for an hour left us with a nice opening salvo. Mocha, dense cherry, soft waves of black fruit. A pleasure.

Monthly WTF group. Theme this month was merlot. All wines tasted blind.

This was my contribution. Everyone guessed Napa. This was decanted about two hours prior to being poured and it was firing on all cylinders (I thought it would still be a little unforgiving). Large and in charge merlot. Mocha, sweet pipe tobacco, and a lot of ripe blackberry. Nutmeg and cinnamon. Rich and opulent.

Amazing color and nose. Hints of cedar and pine cone. Bold and elegant blackberry and raspberry, with Creme brûlée. One of the best wines I have had in a while.

Well scented bouquet of cedar, dark cherry/berry, anise. Mouth coating powdery tannin grip followed by dark cherry, licorice. I would give another 2-3 years and revisit. Could be a stunner when it levels out. Solid merlot that delivers as usual.

After having the ‘15 about two weeks ago, this is more Bordeaux style. The power has mellowed out and shown more leather, cherry, blackberry and anise. Some oak here with toasted cherries and blackberry, but the finish showed some underripe blueberry. Surprisingly young but ready to drink. Drink now.