Tasting Notes: 

This wine is 100% Merlot aged for 19 months in a combination of new and neutral barrels. Merlot might have had a bad reputation for a while now but we think you should revisit it if it's been a while. Full of juicy red fruits, with a rich full flavor but a soft lush finish. 

Barnard Griffin Wines: 

Barnard Griffin is a family owned and run winery in Washington state. It was founded in 1983 by Rob Griffin a graduate from the winemaking program at UC Davis and his wife Deborah Barnard and as of 2010 their daughter Megan helps to run the business. This makes it one of the oldest and largest family owned wineries in the state. They focus on producing wines that are a blend of different vineyards from across the columbia valley region.

Merlot: 

Merlot, like Cabernet Sauvignon, is from the Bordeaux region of France. Here Merlot is actually the leading grape in terms of total production. The region of Bordeaux is divided into two main sections by the Gironde River, the left bank and the right bank. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the left bank while on the right bank Merlot is dominant. However, in both regions, the majority of wines are blends.

In terms of common tasting notes expect lush fruits, like blackberry, cassis, black cherries, and plum. As well as characteristically smooth tannins that make Merlot much better suited to the table than Cabernet Sauvignon. Plus, those big fruit flavors are often complimented by herbal earthy notes. 

Columbia Valley AVA, Washington: 

Encompassing more than a quarter of the state, the Columbia Valley AVA is by far Washington’s largest growing region at 11+ million acres. It is home to over 99% of all of Washington’s vinifera acreage. The Columbia Valley AVA is centered around the Columbia River and its tributaries: the Walla Walla, Yakima and Snake rivers.

The Columbia River flows through the rolling, desert-like landscape of the valley, which was carved out thousands of years ago by glacial floods. The valley lies in a rain shadow caused by the Cascades, which contributes to its dry continental climate. Hot days here are followed by cool nights, helping to ensure a long and even growing season in which the grapes obtain full ripeness while retaining vital acidity. 

Many fruit-driven wine styles are produced across this large region, including wines made from Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah and Merlot. But it is the rich, structured Cabernet Sauvignon wines that have made a name for the Columbia Valley. 

Food & Wine Pairing: 

Because of Merlot's big juicy fruit and herbal qualities these wines can pair comfortably with meats, in particular, anything grilled.  And it can pair with vegetables such as eggplant and broccoli. That herbal quality also means that it shines with any dish that incorporates fresh herbs in the recipe. Better yet incorporate some fresh herbs into your heat source when you are grilling for a truly excellent flavor combination.

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