Meet Mercer Wine Estates

Readers, I’d like to introduce you to Mercer Wine Estates. Mercer Wine Estates, meet the readers. I think you’d all get along. I mean Mercer produces GREAT wine and the readers love drinking GREAT wine. In fact, this may be a perfect match, especially with your variety of price points and wines to accommodate many wine drinkers out there.  With the introductions aside I’d like to tell the readers more about you, Mercer, if that’s OK. Just hang out in my glass for a while until I need you again…

Mercer Wine Estates is now on their fifth generation of farmers showcasing Horse Heaven Hills AVA in Washington. By the way Horse Heaven Hills is 25% of the state’s wine grapes – not too shabby. Founded in 2005, Mercer has been “quietly growing” and produces wines from across three tiers ranging from $10 to $42 – from Riesling to Cabernet Sauvignon. OK Mercer, I need you now…

Pinot Gris, 2013 from their Mercer Estates line is up first. Aromatics of juicy honeydew melon, ripe peach, and a hint of orange blossom escaped from my glass. The flavors continue through the palate adding creaminess, bright fruit, nice acidity, and just a touch of minerality all added to the delicious balance in this wine. Retail price is around $13 – yum!

Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 from their Mercer Canyons line is next. I’m detecting aromas of warm blueberry pie à la mode. This has flavors of cherries and spice, mouth gripping tannins, and a lasting finish. Wait, what? This retails for $14? Uh, I’m in!

Ode to Brothers, 2011 from their Reserve line is the last - a GSM blend (40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, & 20% Mourvèdre). With this being a blend of classic Rhône varietals I let this one breathe in the bottle for over an hour and it still evolved in my glass. Notes of raspberries, smoke, cured meats, pepper, and minerality. Excellent body, structure, and a super long finish! You can cellar this bottle for years and I’d expect it to improve that much more (although it’s pretty amazing now). Expect to pay about $42 for this bottle but expect it to be worth every penny!

Now that we are all introduced I suspect a long lasting friendship. Based on just three of their wines tasted I’m already a friend and fan.

Sláinte! TCW