Washington State’s Columbia Valley remains home to some very fine Merlot-based wines, no matter that the grape variety has fallen out of favor with many consumers. Bernard Griffin’s 2010 tastes full and rich, with soft but effective tannins, a keen sense of balance, and a long, evolving finish. Its fruit flavors resemble red more than black berries or plums, and it supports its fruit with an attractive but subtle herbal note in the finish. This wine will remind you why you used to buy Merlot, and why you perhaps should do so again.
Barnard Griffin, Columbia Valley (Washington State) Merlot 2010
By Paul Lukacs