Lot 86
2018 Walla Walla Valley Merlot

Deep ruby in the glass, Cabernet-like. The bouquet is super-pretty with ethereal, powdery florals lightly-coating confectionary cherry truffle and raspberry puree underpinned with oak-elevated blackberry compote. Spicy too. Supple and seamless on entry (so smooooth!) yet robust with ripe red and black fruits nicely integrated with seasoned french oak and gorgeous acidity. Gobs of stuffing crest to reveal dark fruit and mineral-coated tannins unfurling a blast of raspberry/rhubarb, roasted poblano chile and a kiss of chocolate. Damn, that's good...beautifully-crafted and very expressive...nice to see oak so deftly deployed here, the light hand speaking to the quality of the fruit.

Check-in Tastings - 7.7.2021 - Wow gorgeous with pretty amalgam of cherry, dark earth, graphitic blossoms and seasoned oak. Still just a baby so give this a big decant or 24-hour decant prior to drinking. This is a stunning wine from a fantastic vintage and, quite frankly, why Merlot was and is such a big deal in Washington State.