Origin: Horse Haven Hills, WA
Grape: 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2013
Alcohol: 14.5
Price point: $27
Year Reviewed: 2018
On the eyes, this is a clear deep garnet wine. On the nose, clean and pronounced with a bit under ripeness of green pepper and leafiness. I also get aromas of kernel, possibly almond, coffee and chocolate.
On the palate, off dry, low acidity, medium tannins that are well integrated and dusty. A bunch of flavors appear of red cherry, plum, red and green pepper, a bit of smoke, tobacco and chocolate….which I love in finer Merlots. The long finish was unchanging and quite stable throughout.
Aged for 16 months in French and American oak, 60% new. Outstanding quality of a Merlot…..must purchase some more.
Planted in 1991, the vineyard at Canoe Ridge Estate lies on a steep south-facing wind-swept slope on the bank of the Columbia River in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA.
https://www.ste-michelle.com/our-wines/2013-canoe-ridge-estate-merlot