2016 NW Cellars Merlot - 92 Points - $16
Spicy and rich, this wine way over delivers for a $16 bottle of wine. Unlike many wines at the price that are taste-manipulated, this is a real wine with ample structure and balance between acid, tannin, and fruit. This taste more like an Old World version of this varietal, with a strong backbone of tannin most likely the result of the 5% Petit Verdot added. Nice notes of black currant and olive. 92 Points by The Wine Panel in the $15-$25 Category.

Choose any 4 wines, and get 2 ounce bottles of each wine to taste at home. Enter the wines you choose in the Description/Comments box below. PLEASE NOTE THE WINES NEED TO BE CONSUMED WITHIN 1 WEEK.

Starting with big rich aromas of ripe black currant, strawberry leather, deep raisin and stewed plum with whiffs of eucalyptus, this cab has a velvety mouthful of more lush dark fruit, black licorice, cherry and a touch of leather. Very nicely balanced with smooth tannins. Don't wait!

Typical of Red Mountain, this wine has deeply concentrated berry aromas and flavors. Blackberry jam, raspberry syrup, a touch of blueberry along with mulling spices on the nose follow on the palate along with a good bit of white pepper and herbal lushness. Beautifully balanced and polished tannins makes this wine easy to drink now or for many years to come.

Intoxicating nose of floral notes mingled with soft black plum, lots of blueberry, chocolate and mint. On the palate intense dark fruit, sweet spice, more chocolate notes, eucalyptus, some cherry and, omg, that ancient hard grape candy with the soft center in your coat pocket! Finishes with peppered cinnamon tannins. Do. Not. Wait.

Deep and dark. Aromas of black fruit, stewed plums and whiffs of vanilla and cedar wood. A complex blend, it brings to the palate a soft and balanced mouthful of black cherry, dark plums, some cinnamon with sweet spice, and a touch of cigar box. This is really a soulful wine. Take to the drawing room and reflect.

Breathe in aromas of plum, a little leather, some dusty raspberries and a few maraschino cherries sprinkled with fresh herbs. Follow that with some brighter flavors of cranberry and pie cherries. Add notes of baking spices, some raspberry mint sauce and a touch of meatiness. With smooth tannins, you will love this wine!

Juicy, warm and welcoming! Fruit forward on the nose and palate displaying lots of plum and cherry with notes of root beer and a little dusty stuff. Likewise the palate plus some red fruit leading to a delicious black cherry finish. Soft tannins make this such a friendly wine, drink with your besties!

With a touch more red fruit then the 2014, this Merlot is also beautifully structured. There's some initial red licorice followed by warm aromatics of sweet spice, vanilla and dusty black cherry followed by flavors of black fruit, stewed plum, dried savory herbs and a tasty finish of cherry cola. Very balanced, smooth tannins.

This most unusual blend once again delights the senses with enticing aromas of raspberry, sweet cherry, chocolate and whiffs of caramel and dried thyme. This leads to smooth flavors of black cherry, vanilla, some light red fruit, more chocolate, easy tannins, and some clove spiciness in a nice dry finish. Need we say more?

/ Bottle While Supplies Last!

$56.00 / Bottle Regular Price

Northwest Cellars vintner Robert Delf adds another example with this remarkable Petite Sirah, which shows a purity of dark fruit reminiscent of blackberry jam and black cherry preserves with a whiff of tar. Those rich tones are matched on the palate that brings along a pleasing structure of espresso tannins. Those who can be turned off by the massive tannins and high alcohol often associated with PS will find neither attribute in this relatively easy drinker.

The '16 Red Blend makes its debut with aplomb. Or, rather, with a plummy, cherry filled nose touched with cinnamon, vanilla, dark fruit leather and some dirty dried leaves to add interest. The palate has nice dry tannins throughout, more cherry, a touch of sage and a spicy red plum finish. Don’t worry about the leaves, they'll blow away.

With deep aromas of black currant, prune and plum and notes of dried herbs, potpourri and vanilla, also reflected on the palate, in this lush very well-balanced wine. True to this varietal, it is savory and rich with its dark intense fruit leading to a persistent finish of subtle peppery spice. Note to self- drink this wine!

"Aromas of apricot, lime and grapefruit, a bit of nectarine and floral rose lead to a refreshing palate of zesty lime, honeydew and some dry minerality. Light but has a touch of creaminess before a long lime-y finish laced with sea salt."

"Bright and breezy with notes of watermelon, orange, lychee, banana, not-quite-ripe pineapple, and warm wet stone. Dry and crisp on the palate with green melon, Italian lemon ice from the carnival, floral notes of roses and creamsicles, and a long essence of grapefruit finish. Perfect with seared Ahi!"

"A bright, citrusy chard with aromas of lemon, yellow apple, baked pears and a touch of grapefruit. There’s a creaminess on the palate that balances the acidity. Flavors reflect the nose along with lemon curd, grapefruit zest and lots of minerality on a nice long lemon drop finish."

Upfront aromas of root beer, black cherry, and black currant are given depth with notes of chocolate and roasted green pepper. Tasting reveals a soft texture of more root beer, milk chocolate, some brighter cherry and, well, imagine hard raspberry candies with a spicy filling. Smooth tannins. A true melding where the sum is more than the parts.

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"Refreshing and light, the new Leggiero rosé makes its debut with aromatics of white rose petals, yellow plum and a streak of minerality. Crisp on the palate, the wine shows off flavors of watermelon, tangerine and kiwi. Finishes long with citrus zest all mixed up with red pie cherry and peach. Just the best on a summer day!"

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Opening with the quieter aromas of fig, sage and straw with some root beer and black cherry, the flavors range from savory herbs, orange pith and spicy cherry to milk chocolate and a touch of smoked meat. Great structure with ample tannins and acidity that belie the soft approach. A long finish of game and sweet spiced berries make it, once again, magical.

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"Opens up to whiffs of dark dried fruits with hints of plum and black currant, graphite and old wood. These are replayed on the palate, with the addition of spicy tannins, great acidity, and a touch of bright red cherry. It's savory with cinnamon and cigar and if you like a big dry wine that is downright elegant, this is your baby."

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