2019 Merlot Canoe Ridge Vineyards

Canoe Ridge Vineyard’s ’19 Merlot matched their ’18 Merlot. Canoe Ridge Vineyard has linked its branding with the Lewis and Clark exploration. The explorers struggled down the Snake River into the Columbia. After leaving St. Louis, MO, in1803 their company camped near Walla Walla. The Lewis and Clark State Park is located near Paterson. Currently, the AVA is named Horse Heaven Hills, which is the home of the Vineyard.

Taste=2: This ’18 Merlot comes from the vineyard’s Expedition collection with a floral nose; it’s a hearty, full bodied Merlot. It is a deep red wine that needs chewing at first taste. The wine presented more subtle textures.

Their Expedition Merlot starts with dried Tobacco, dark chocolate appears, and then opens into black raspberry. Its leathery tannins finish lingers quite a while.

Looks=2: The most obvious tell on the wine is its composition cork. I wondered what the wine would taste like 10 years hence, but it probably would not cellar well across time. The pour came out a deep, rich Cordovan. The wine held strong, clear legs. The vineyard’s pictures a silhouette of a Lewis & Clark canoe.

Pairings this red wine with roast of lamb, stewed canvasback duck, wild boar, as well as smoked venison.

Cost=1: Priced well for a buyer to enjoy.