Mercer Estates is a family owned and operated winery in Southeast Washington State.  The family has been growing grapes in this location since 1972 – making them the first to plant vinifera in the Horse Heaven Hills.  They take great-pride in grape growing and offer a wide range of wines.  Here’s what our tasting panel thought about a few of their current releases:

Mercer 2015 Malbec

Grape(s): 78% Melbec & 22% Cabernet

Region: Washington, USA

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Inviting aromas of blackberries, cherries, mocha, and earth rise up from a glass. Rich fruit flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and dark cherry intermingle among suggestions of roast coffee, earth, and caramel on the palate. Dusty tannins frame the wine nicely, making it a good match for steak soft tacos.

Rating: 90

Mercer 2015 Sauvignon Blanc

Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Washington, USA

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

A mix of citrus fruits, tropical fruits, and herbs greet the senses. The palate brings together flavors of grapefruit, lemon, and mango with expressions of fresh herbs and minerals. Bright flavors are balanced by a slightly round mouth-feel. Pair a glass with your favorite white fish.

Rating: 88

Mercer 2015 “Sharp Sisters” Red Blend

Grape(s):29% Cabernet, 27% Syrah, 18% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot, 10% Grenache, & 2% Carignane

Region: Washington, USA

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

The nose combines aromas of blackberries, plums, and cherries together among suggestions of spice, vanilla, and herbs on the nose. Polished tannins frame flavors of bramble berry, plum, and black cherry with accents of Herbs Du Provence, toasty vanilla, and earth. It’s supple but not overly lush and has a good balance of fruit and non-fruit flavors.

Rating: 89