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+--- Thread: Nice WA Offerings (/thread-9058.html)
- Bucko - 09-23-2001
1998 Gordon Brothers, Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington, $20, 3,189 cases. A nice example of WA Merlot. Lush blueberry and blackberry aromas and flavors have an added black olive undertone, with snappy acidity and easy going tannins. Match with grilled beef. 88/90.
1997 Claar, Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington, $18. Anise, black cherries, plums, and minerals delight the nose. Similar flavors are balanced by nice acidity and integrated oak. The finish is long and lush. 87/88.
1997 Claar, Merlot, Reserve, Columbia Valley, Washington, $25. From twenty-year-old vines, earthy black cherry and a streak of smoke highlights the nose. Very focused, with chocolate, tobacco and plum flavors. 88/88.