Tamarack Cellars Merlot 05
Good Washington merlot, with muscle, extract and plenty of stuffing. Flavors run to the dark side - blue/black fruits, mineral, licorice and smoke.
From the winery: An abnormally cold arctic blast caused damage to some of our the vineyards that Tamarack utilizes, forcing additional exploration of new grape sources with tremendous results. Tamarack achieved the quality it sought of highly extracted, very ripe and balanced wines.
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Highly recommended by Avalon. Wine Spectator rating 89 points for 01 vintage: "Plump, polished and nicely focused to show off its core of black cherry and currant flavors, picking up a wave of oak spiciness as the flavors linger." H.S.
Wine Press Northwest - Winter, 2002
"OUTSTANDING"
"If there is a sure bet for great Merlot, it might be
with Ron Coleman. Since its first vintage in 1997,
this Walla Walla winery has produced consistently
great Merlot. This continues the trend of top ratings
with deep, concentrated aromas of espresso,
blackberry, chocolate and oak with rich flavors that
are well balanced and approachable. A fine wine for a
fine meal."
Wine Spectator Rating 88 Points!>When we tried this Merlot at the Washington Wine Commision trade tasting, Ann said "this is for Leonetti fans who can't get Leonetti!" With vineyards located next door to Leonetti's, this Merlot is strongly reminiscent of Figgin's famous wine. With a price tag 1/3 of the Leonetti, this wine is well worth a try.
Wine Enthusiast 93 points: "All about fruit, with deep and delicious flavors of
dark plum and black cherry, this merlot is meaty and rich enough to be a meal in itself. The roundness in the mouth tightens to a light grip in the end, tinged with cedar and smoke. Blended predominantly from Walla Walla and Red Mountain fruit, this feels youthful, the red plum flavor plump and fresh. From a winery established in '98 by Ron and Jamie Coleman."
