By: Ed "The Wine Guy"
It doesn't come as a surprise to me that Wine Spectator has rated this wine so highly (89 points). Anyone who knows me, and reads my blog on a regular basis, is aware that I have maintained that the Merlot wines from Columbia Valley are among the best Merlots in the Wine World, equaled only by Merlots from Bordeaux, France, and from Tuscany, Italy. This Merlot (87% Merlot, 11% Syrah, 2% Malbec) has aromas and flavors of plum, dark berry fruit, oak, and vanilla, with hints of spice, and a long, lingering finish. If the weather is warm, the wine, as well as most red wines, can be refrigerated for 30-45 minutes so that the taste of alcohol will not be pronounced. The ideal temperature for red wine is 65-68 degrees.
Following is a list of wines that have been highly rated by Wine Spectator, and are available here at Harney's: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (93 points); Meiomi Pinot Noir 2013 (92); Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (89); Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2013 (88); Acrobat Pinot Noir 2013 (88); A to Z Pinot Noir 2013 (88); Yellow Tail Moscato NV [non-vintage] (87).