Washington Merlot, and a Carmenere
Merlot is the workhorse of wine grapes. Merlot started its life on the left and right bank of Bordeaux, but now is grown in almost every other wine growing region in the world. Chile thought they were growing Merlot but turns out it was Carmenere, another Bordeaux grape… So we throw a Washington Carmenere in there just for fun.
@ Humble Vine
July 17th
2-8 PM
Wine Tasting: $20
Terra Blanca, Merlot Red Mountain, Washington $21
Aromas of red fruits, cedar, rose petal, and spice rise out of the glass. This leads to core flavors of black cherry layered with nuances of red and black currant and dried cherry on the palate. The vibrant acid and finely integrated tannin structure provide the framework allowing this Merlot to rival most Cabernet Sauvignons.
Finn Hill, Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington $26
High-toned black cherry, anise, vanilla and barrel spice aromas lead to pitch-black cherry flavors. The tannins give a firm, dry squeeze. This is a solid Merlot. Jammy and dark fruit with a subtle earthy finish.
Seven Hills, Merlot Walla Walla, Washington $48
Washington’s perfect combination of warm days and cool nights creates a full, generous Merlot with ample structure and vibrancy. the wine was aged for I6 months in a selection of French, American, Hungarian and Russian oaks resulting in a wine with spice box-like complexity
Drink WA Wine, Carmenere Wahluke Slope, Washington $37
Carmenère is a red grape originally from the region of Bordeaux, France. The grape was favored in Bordeaux in the early 18th century, though today it is nearly extinct there and is much more popular in Chile. Chilean growers believed that the Carmenere grape was a clone of Merlot for almost 150 years before it was officially identified in 1994!
Dark plum and spice aromas are followed by plump blue fruit flavors, showing a bit of grit on the finish. There's a lot to like.
