Jeb Dunnuck-Columbia Valley, Washington- ""Terrific red currants, blackberries, spice box, and cedary herb notes all flow to a plump, medium to full-bodied Merlot that hits the palate with loads of fruit, a stacked mid-palate, and a great finish.""

Moderately saturated bright red-ruby. Sexy aromas of dark raspberry, mocha, red licorice, tobacco, minerals and cocoa nibs reminded me of a Right Bank wine. Plush, ripe and serious, with dusty herbs and spices enlivening the raspberry and plum fruit flavors; more red fruits than black here. Finishes with substantial but ripe well-integrated tannins and slowly building persistence. Not a powerhouse but uncommonly complex and refined for Washington Merlot. And more pliant at this stage than the 2016 was. (a blend of eight sites)

Precise and a bit tight, with zesty black cherry and smoky tobacco flavors that build toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2025. 665 cases made.

Char, coffee, chocolate and whiffs of tire rubber are out front. Cherry and chocolate bar flavors follow. It hasn't integrated at present.