"Velvety, with a nice lift to the dense, tarry flavors of black currant and smoke, finishing on a toasty note. Has taut structure and ripeness, without excess weight. Drink now through 2017. 394 cases made. – HS
Go To Abeja Merlot Columbia Valley
Go To Abeja Merlot Columbia Valley
"Abeja winemaker John Abbott sources fruit for this 100% Merlot from the estate (Heather Hill) vineyard and old-vine Bacchus grapes. Lush and full across the palate, this utterly delicious wine marshals an army of pretty red and black fruit into a silky smooth flavor formation, then wraps them in a tapestry of floral, caramel, coconut, coffee and chocolate highlights. - P.G."
"Vibrant and focused, with expressive floral blackberry and red pepper aromatics that carry through to the long finish, playing against refined tannins. Drink now through 2017. 644 cases made. –HS"
- Wine Spectator (May 31st 2014), 90 pts
"Pure Merlot sourced from several Columbia Valley vineyards, this opens with inviting toasty scents, quickly moving into a broad, flavorful palate loaded with pretty cherry fruit. The balance between fruit and barrel is perfect, and the wine is ready for near-term enjoyment."
- Wine Enthusiast (July 2014), 93 pts
"Full, bright red. Expressive aromas of redcurrant, tobacco, mocha, milk chocolate, graphite and cedary oak are lifted by notes of rose petal and fresh herbs; not at all black fruit in character in spite of the high alcohol. Supple, juicy and savory, showing lovely inner-mouth floral lift to the cherry and redcurrant fruit. This very sophisticated Merlot boasts a felicitous combination of vinosity and sweetness. The long finish features ripe, noble tannins. - Stephen Tanzer"
- Vinous (December 2014), 92 pts
"Cocoa, dark chocolate, raspberry and barrel spice aromas intoxicate the senses. The flavors are sweet and concentrated with a hedonistic styling."
- Wine Enthusiast (September 2015), 92 pts