Barnard Griffin Merlot '22

The 2022 Barnard Griffin Merlot from the Columbia Valley is a rich, full-bodied red wine that blends 83% Merlot with smaller amounts of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Sourced from Black Rock Vineyard, Weinbau Vineyard, and Lonesome Spring Ranch, this wine undergoes pumpovers twice daily and is aged for 11 months in French oak, with 15% of the barrels being new. The result is a complex, youthful wine with a concentration of red fruit, baking spices, and toasted oak aromas. On the palate, it delivers flavors of cherry reduction, blackberry, and a bright, balanced finish. This Merlot is described by Wine Enthusiast as having a delightful mouthfeel with tart pie cherry and coconut water aromas, alongside floral notes of peonies and violets, with a trace of cedarwood oil. The wine is noted for its modest acidity and velvety tannins, which complement the blackberry and sweet biscuit flavors. With an ABV of 13.8%, this wine is praised for its flavor and approachable texture, making it a versatile option for a wide range of dishes. Barnard Griffin, one of Washington's oldest family-owned wineries, continues to produce high-quality wines under the leadership of winemaker Rob Griffin, who celebrated his 41st vintage, alongside his wife Deborah and their daughter Megan Hughes.