Any suggestions of some smaller producers worth exploring that are making really good Merlot in Washington St? Like to find one or two mailing list of producers doing the “right thing” and making some really good Merlot?
Thanks, I have been drinking Longshadows for years. They are great. But i thought there maybe some smaller producers doing something special. I will look at your list. Thanks again!
I’ve always enjoyed Baer’s Merlot blends. Baer’s winemaker Erica Orr has her own brand (Orr Wines) that has just released a single varietal Merlot that may be worth a look. Good prices at both labels.
Michael, that’s wild that we met at Rudd … that feels like a long time ago now. What a beautiful place to work!
following up on Dave’s question about my winemaking philosophy … My 2018 Orr Merlot is actually 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, all from Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the newly minted Royal Slope AVA. It’s sustainably farmed by Ed Kelly and I’ve been working with this fruit for my consulting client Baer since 2007. It’s a 10 barrel blend, 9 neutral French oak barrels and 1 new Sylvain French oak barrel and the wine was blended and bottled unfined and unfiltered after 20 months in oak.
I think it is classically Merlot - red fruited, savory, generous with a long finish that leaves your mouth watering. 2018 is a stunning vintage for Columbia Valley Cab and Merlot.
The Grenache I’ve been making for 5 years now, learning by doing, and subtly changing the style with each vintage. Next month I’ll be offering a holiday 3-pack vertical of my grenache (2016 2017 2018) if you’re interested in tasting that evolution in real time. The 2019 Grenache I’m selling on my website now is a blend- it’s 10% Mourvedre (whole cluster fermented in oak) and 2% Syrah, blended and aged in neutral French oak barrels for 9 months. It’s fresh and charming with cran-raspberry, pomegranate black tea flavors.
My wines have been sold only through distribution up until literally right now so it’s pretty exciting to engage directly with consumers like this! Thanks for the interest!
Hey, Erica…btw just ordered a mix case. Originally, interested in your merlot, but decided to get a more rounded view? Why the Sylvainan oak? How is 2019 merlot looking? So many questions!
Nice article Randy. Yes it was Michael and Pike and Western that sold me Erica’s Chenin Blanc. I enjoyed it and have bought it off and on over the years.
Sylvain is a producer of French oak barrels, from multiple forests, I think you may be confusing it with Slovenian oak which is from a country outside of France.