Walla Walla Vintners Merlot 2022
Walla Walla Valley, Washington
Ah, this one is a sleeper. The 2022 is getting a 93 from Vinous and 93 from Owen Bargreen, and the winery's own description backs up a really attractive combination of plush fruit, savory notes and fresh acidity.
Professional reviews & ratings
- Vinous — 93 points
Eric Guido finds crushed wild blueberries, ground cloves and cedary spice. The wine is juicy and pliant, with racy acidity, crisp wild-berry fruit and tactile mineral tones.
- Owen Bargreen — 93 points
A particularly enticing note: tar, sagebrush, tobacco leaf and dark-chocolate shavings on the nose. The palate is smooth and elegant, with refined texture and good depth. He considers it generous and delicious now, with potential through 2040.
What I think you'll like
This sounds like a very different kind of Merlot from the plush, sweet-fruited California style.
Think:
Blackberry + wild blueberry + plum → cedar + sagebrush + tobacco → dark chocolate + clove + mineral
The winery's blend is 88% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec, aged 18 months in French oak, 40% of it new. The result is described as plush and enveloping but with firm, graceful tannins and bright acidity.
And here's something I particularly like: 14.9% ABV, but the wine apparently retains its acidity and freshness. That's a good sign for a Washington Merlot that has enough richness to be satisfying without becoming jammy or heavy.
My take
This is one I'd absolutely try.
