"Upright" is an overt affront to the movie “Sideways" which had a negative effect on much of the U.S. Merlot industry. EFESTĒ’s Upright challenges consumers to enjoy a Merlot-branded Merlot. The fruit is sourced from Red Mountain, a top AVA in Washington known for making dense, complex, and powerful fruit. This Merlot is no exception. Big black fruit, anise, and perfumy violet floral notes blend together for a truly enjoyable experience. This wine needs some air if you’re opening it anytime soon, but the balance and depth of flavors suggest that this wine will develop nicely in a cellar. For those that have seen the movie, Paul Giamatti wouldn’t drink the Merlot because he couldn’t bear the memories of enjoying amazing Merlots with his wife. That explanation, unfortunately, was cut. Fortunately for us, this Merlot was certainly memorable.
EFESTE, Red Mountain (Columbia Valley, Washington) Merlot 2018
By Vince Simmon