Winery
of the Week: Mercer - Washington, USA
Mercer
Estates is a family owned and operated winery in Southeast Washington
State. The family has been growing grapes in this location since
1972 - making them the first to plant vinifera in the Horse
Heaven Hills. They take great-pride in grape growing and offer
a wide range of wines. Here's what our tasting panel thought
about a few of thier current releases:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Mercer
2015 Malbec
Winery:
Mercer
Grape(s): 78% Melbec & 22% Cabernet
Region: Washington,
USA
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Inviting aromas of blackberries, cherries, mocha, and
earth rise up from a glass. Rich fruit flavors of blackberry,
blueberry, and dark cherry intermingle among suggestions
of roast coffee, earth, and caramel on the palate. Dusty
tannins frame the wine nicely, making it a good match
for steak soft tacos.
Rating: 90 |
|
Mercer
2015 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Mercer
Grape(s): 100%
Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Washington,
USA
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
A mix of citrus fruits, tropical fruits, and herbs greet
the senses. The palate brings together flavors of grapefruit,
lemon, and mango with expressions of fresh herbs and minerals.
Bright flavors are balanced by a slightly round mouth-feel.
Pair a glass with your favorite white fish.
Rating: 88 |
|
Mercer
2015 "Sharp Sisters" Red Blend
Winery:
Mercer
Grape(s):
29% Cabernet, 27% Syrah, 18% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot,
10% Grenache, & 2% Carignane
Region: Washington,
USA
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
The nose combines aromas of blackberries, plums, and cherries
together among suggestions of spice, vanilla, and herbs
on the nose. Polished tannins frame flavors of bramble
berry, plum, and black cherry with accents of Herbs Du
Provence, toasty vanilla, and earth. It's supple but not
overly lush and has a good balance of fruit and non-fruit
flavors.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|