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Luke Wines Merlot 2017
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesLuke Merlot barely makes the varietal cut at 75 percent mixed with 23/1/1 cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot, all out of the Wahluke Slope AVA in the Columbia Valley. Merlot has been the unwanted best wine of Washington Stae for decades suffering from widespread prejudice in the wine business against a grape that frankly was never given the room to grow as much as cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc or syrah or even malbec. The truth is, in the northwest, including BC, merlot's savoury, rich, round flavours and textures have been as good as most cabernet sauvignon, if not better and a lot more consumer-friendly. Look for a very ripe example here with dense sweet tannins and even sweeter black cherry fruit and chocolate flavours that coat the palate from the front back. The style is soft and easy-sipping — it is a drink now wine that will be too sweet for some and just right for others.Tasted: 19 December 2020Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:BC | $43.99 | 750ml | estimated retail in select private wine shops |
Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Malbec - Petit VerdotCSPC: 50656