WTN: Why am I drinking a WA Merlot? 'Cuz it's MF'n GOOD!

I haven't had Washington State Merlot in years, so I was really shocked when Seven Springs Merlot Klipsun Vineyard 2002 turned out to be very good. My only familiarity with this vineyard has been Andrew Will bottlings from the mid '90s. I almost hate to say it, but this has a lot of ferrous, rusty mineral that I more associate with Pommerol. Very "Middle-aged" world . It certainly has tons of blackberry/blueberry fruit, but also a little baking chocolate, eucalyptus and dried herbs. The tannins too are quite gritty. The most bizarre thing is that it is more "Bordeaux" than a lot of Bordeaux I've had lately. A well made wine to be sure. 13,5% alc. $27



Prost!
Bill

Sounds awesome. Have you ever had Northstar?

No, I've never heard of them.


Bill

Bill,

Did you mean Seven Hills Winery Merlot Klipsun Vineyard? Even though Seven Hills is a Walla Walla Winery, this Merlot is from Red Mountain AVA. Red Mountain produces some great intense Merlot!

Bill,

Did you mean Seven Hills Winery Merlot Klipsun Vineyard? Even though Seven Hills is a Walla Walla Winery, this Merlot is from Red Mountain AVA. Red Mountain produces some great intense Merlot!

Yes, Precisely!

Barnard Griffin '04 "Tulip Label" from the Columbia Valley is very nice; bit much oak for my taste, but don't let that stop you. Much better than a lot of Napa juice I can think of, and under $20. Got 89 points from the Dictator.

I haven't had Seven Hills merlot, but I have had their cabernet sauvignons both from Seven Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley and from the Klipsun Vineyard. I really like both, but what's notable is the contrast between what the two vineyard sites produce. Klipsun, I've found, is bigger, bolder, a bit more fruit forward, yet with some of that "ferrous" quality you describe. Seven Hills, IMHO, produces a more restrained, elegant, Bordeaux-like cab, a little lighter-bodied, a little higher-acid, but still with ample fruit and some dusty chocolate-like qualities which I often get from WWV wines. Worth comparing (whether using their merlot or cab bottlings) if you get the chance and evidence that there is such a thing as terroir even in some New World wines.

Try some Red Mountain AVA Syrah while you're at it. I like the one from Saviah.