Washington state Merlot is a thing apart from its more southerly west coast counterparts. And there are also those among us who espouse the notion that Washington state serves as a kind of bridge between California and Bordelaise claret-styled wines. Spring Valley Vineyard lies 12 miles northeast of Walla Walla, amid the picturesque wheat fields of southeastern Washington State and with the Blue Mountains beckoning in the distance. The initial block of Merlot was planted in 1993 on a southwest facing hillside. The vines follow the north/south slope of the hills in vertical rows, an orientation that when combined with the declination of the slope, allows the vines to take optimal advantage of air, drainage, sunshine and the reflective nature of the surrounding wheat fields. Produce of 59% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec fruit from 20(ish) year-old vines, this 2016 Uriah is deep ruby in color to just fuchsia/garnet at the edges with aromas suggesting spice, plum, ripe cherry, wheat straw, graphite and the underlying loess soils (Henry also noted the telltale tobacco leaf contribution from the Cabernet Franc); at once polished and firm, full and stuctured on the tongue with a warmth and embracingness and just the gentlest astringency, all stretching out long and fresh on the finish; Henry noted that, like a good Merlot should, the wine was appropriately broad and suave, but simultaneously taut with crunchy red berry tones and an energetic nervosity.

The 2019 D2 (60% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is terrific, with a ruby/purple hue as well as gorgeous cassis and black cherry fruits, notes of spicy, dried herbs, and lead pencil, medium to full body, and a pure, balanced, undeniably delicious profile. It's going to keep for 15-20 years and is one heck of a wine. Drink 2022‑2042. Rated 94. - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com July, 2022