Can anyone deduce the identity of this merlot offering?
2005 – A Top Vintage!
Dear Friends,
2005 produced many memorable bottles around the globe. It’s an “association” vintage in many regions of Europe but there’s another standout that few talk about – Washington State…especially as the wines have aged.
Now at the 20 year mark, 2005 produced many memorable bottles in Walla Walla, Red Mountain and the general Columbia Valley but one 2005 varietal in particular has really shocked the vinous cognoscenti: Merlot.
Yes, we just typed Merlot.
There was a time when Washington State was synonymous with fine Merlot and it was a major focus of our state’s top wineries (Leonetti et al). Back in 2005, Merlot was nearly the equal of Cabernet Sauvignon (as far as consumer demand) and the best in our state placed major emphasis on crafting a Northwest “Pomerol” in the spirit of something akin to Clinet.
Those that stocked up on the best bottles of Merlot from Washington 20-30 years ago have many cellared gems of rarity and gorgeous aromatic tone and intrigue on their hands. You can get a general sense of that here (although this is EVERY bottle of 2005 Washington State Merlot, from $5 grocery store bottles through to the top rung, but it gives you an idea): Search tasting notes for '2005 Merlot washington' - CellarTracker
Today, we have the great pleasure (and good fortune) of offering an original cellar stash of 2005 Merlot from a Washington State stalwart (that may or may not be in the community notes you just looked at!).
This wine is RARE.
So rare that most of it currently sits in private cellars across our fair land or possibly on top eatery wine lists.
Here’s the interesting part of the story…
The winery held onto a small amount of the 2005 to see how it would age over a 20-30 year period. They recently opened one of the bottles and, well, it was “decent” (if the word “decent” means “extraordinary”).
They were so taken with this wine, they sent us one to try for ourselves.
We had the exact same experience.
We thought it would be very good (because of the incredible provenance – never moved from the winery), but this good?
For 20 year old Washington State Merlot?
We didn’t even care if the $ was $150+, we just wanted all of you to have the chance to try it.
We immediately called (begged/pleaded) for them to release a tiny amount and they agreed.
Guess what else they agreed to (and we didn’t even ask them for this little detail)?
A tab that amounts to $40-50/bottle off and (we think?) pretty much the same as the original release $ (yes, for a pristine 2005 from their library).
Due to national distribution agreements, etc, we can’t tell you what this wine is but…if you have any interest in the history of Washington State wine (and/or domestic wine in general) and you usually go the auction route to acquire wine of 20 or more years of age, why not partake of an ORIGINAL stash instead (that has NEVER MOVED from the winery cellar for 20 years)?
The incredible deal they are offering (they are fellow Email List members) is almost beside the point (well, sort of). This is a Washington State treasure that we hope you acquire and try – it’s a line in the sand moment for domestic Merlot – serve it blind and see if anyone can figure out what it is!
This parcel has just arrived with the finest/freshest original provenance available – it’s a pristine parcel directly from the winery cellar - local pick-up next week.
This is the exact same wine, cork, label, bottle and contents as what trades out in the nethersphere as we type this. We can’t tell you anything about this wine, but you will understand the hubbub when you open a bottle and let it morph over 2-3+ hours. The wine is not from Woodward Canyon, Fidelitas, Va Piano or Sleight of Hand.
ONE TINY SHIPMENT ONLY at this $.
FIRST COME FIRST SERVED up to 3/person until we run out:
2005 Washington State Merlot Mystery 750ml (Washington State) · $56.70
(100% Merlot; compare at circa $100 or more; $56+ for this wine is essentially an “impossible” $; VERY RARE, especially in any sort of quantity or in original condition under $100; we wouldn’t hesitate with this one, the freshness is uncanny and it’s a showcase of how important the world “provenance” truly is; some folks in the trade make fun of us for our obsession with provenance but an offer like this is why we are obsessed!)
