Red

Merlot

Southern Oregon · Southern Oregon · United States

Fact sheet

steak · grilled meats · meat stews · hard cheeses

200987 pts

Though labeled merlot, this is truly a Bordeaux-style blend with Cabernet Sauvignon (6%), Malbec (5%), and Petit Verdot (2%) added to the mix. It is reserved in style with notes of cherry, dried herbs and pickling spices backed by firm, dry tannins.
200787 pts

A mix of estate-grown and sourced (from the Rogue valley) grapes, this Oregon Merlot has black cherry and chocolate at its core, but quickly thins out, with very tart acidity. It's got its own style, with stiff tannins, the leaf and stem notes subdued, and a fine balance. But it…
200588 pts

Oregon Merlots have darker fruits and streaks of tar and smoke. Tannins are more aggressive, and must be carefully managed. This wine does a pretty good job of softening up the back end while keeping the richness up front. There is plenty of acid, and the nose carries interestin…
200088 pts

Actually a Bordeaux blend, this mainly merlot wine from the Umpqua valley in central Oregon outdoes its peers with dark, plummy, even jammy fruit laced with toast, tar and espresso. Sweet fruit meets stiff tannins, all in the name of structure.
199986 pts

Very tart, with a deep, tannic, earthy mineral streak. There's an iron/earth streak running through all Abacela wines; here it comes across as iron and slightly bitter licorice. This is still very young and green; the score might well improve with more time in the bottle.