6JAN11 Mercer Bros “Edge of Heaven” RED BLEND, Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington 2021 (F, O)
4 and 6 bottle levels $23 (member price $20)
51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 12% Syrah 14.5% ABV
The Mercer family moved to Washington in 1930, first raising sheep, then cattle. While building an irrigation project in Horse Heaven Hills (HHH), they began growing vegetables and wine grapes. Taking the advice of Dr. Walter Clore (a Washington wine legend), they planted their estate vineyards in HHH in 1972, making them the first winegrowers in HHH. The fruit comes from their estate Dead Canyon, Zephyr Ridge and Spice Cabinet Vineyards. 22 months in French & American oak barrels (10% new). Black plum, blackberry, boysenberry, anise, mocha.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
This blend is simply delicious paired with red wine braised beef cheeks served over airy whipped potatoes and roasted root vegetables, sticky barbecued baby back ribs, braised short rib sliders topped with caramelized onions, aged gouda and smoked aioli, grilled leg of lamb stuffed with garlic and herbs, burgers smothered with Cambazola cheese and bacon, grilled pizza piled high with meaty toppings or ground lamb, vegetable and quinoa stuffed sweet peppers glazed with a cabernet reduction. After dinner, simply enjoy a glass with French sheep's milk cheeses like Abbaye de Belloc or aged cheeses like Comté Reserve and smoky Spanish Idizabal or Manchego or stay local with a creamy Rogue River Blue.