A delicious red with enveloping layers of mulberries, black cherries, chocolate and coffee beans. It's full-bodied with broad, berry-soaked tannins. 82% merlot and 18% cabernet sauvignon. Drink now or hold.

This lush, medium-bodied Merlot (with 18% Cabernet Sauvignon) strikes first with black cherry and mint tea aromas that will perk you right up. Next up, the wine's chocolate-covered cherry, shortbread and cedar flavors hang on a wall of sturdy tannins. I tried this Merlot with a Kansas City-style pulled pork sandwich and it was a nice match.

The 2021 Columbia Valley Merlot is blended with 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and matured for 20 months in 36% new French oak. It's scented of red cherries, milk chocolate, licorice and graphite. The full-bodied palate is easy to drink with soft, supple tannins, rounded acidity and a satisfying finish. 4,993 cases produced.

Dusty dried violets, crushed stone and hints of rum-soaked currants create a spicy bouquet as the 2021 Merlot opens in the glass. It sweeps across the palate with juicy textures and ripe red and blue fruits as a thrust of sage embellishes the close. Pleasantly chewy and long, the 2021 finishes with medium length and pleasant freshness.

Appealingly structured, this reveals an open-knit texture, along with black cherry and dried sage flavors that finish with medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031. 4,993 cases made.