6MAR11 Barnard Griffin MERLOT, Columbia Valley, Washington 2021
4 and 6 bottle levels $22 (member price $19)
80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah, 1% Petit Verdot 13.8% ABV
Q: Why are we featuring the Cab Sauv AND Merlot from Barnard Griffin?
A: To illustrate why Columbia Valley wineries often pour their Merlot AFTER their Cab Sauv, as Columbia Valley Merlots can be more tannic.
Q: But why feature these wines now?
A: 1) They are both delicious. 2) I’m disappointed that a certain huge Columbia Valley winery decided not to honor long-time contracts with their growers about a month before harvest last year. This screwed a lot of small businesses and these placements give me the opportunity to vent!
Q: Should you choose the Cab Sauv or Merlot?
A: Consider getting both, and pour them side by side at your next dinner party. If selecting one, know that the Merlot is a bigger, bolder, more tannic wine than the Cab Sauv.
Aged 16 months in French and Slovenian oak barrels. Blackberry, black cherry, eucalyptus, vanilla, nutmeg
Food Pairing Suggestions:
Enjoy with meat loaf over mashed potatoes, lasagna Bolognese, honey baked ham, warm Shiitake mushroom cheese dip on herbed garlic toast, pepperoni pizza, chipotle chicken stew, grilled beef with sesame dressing, grilled pork chops with orange BBQ sauce, Italian sausage pizza, scallion and Brie stuffed burgers, beef tenderloin with sake mirin butter. For an after dinner treat, try a glass with blue cheese or a chocolate truffle.