Last Friday, June 11, Lynn and I drove over to Red Mountain and Prosser to see what's new there. The wines we tasted there will be reviewed in the July issue of the Review of Washington Wines (on line June 25). Here's a preview of some of our discoveries.

Red Mountain: The Place for Merlot?

Red Mountain is nor generally thought of as a place for the Merlot grape. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are considered the signature varieties, largely due to the reputation of the Ciel du Cheval and other vineyards. But in our visit, we tasted some highly impressive Merlots.

2017 Tapteli Merlot, Red Mountain ($38) - This is an engaging Merlot with aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, red roses, cedar and stick incense. The flavors are medium bodied nut substantial, with copious red fruits and a savory, satisfying finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2018 Fidelitas Red Mountain Merlot ($45) - This 100% Merlot possesses bright aromas of raspberries, cherries, black roses, sandalwood and incense. The flavors are suave and accessible yet deep and focused and the appeal continues on the back with pressed fruits and a lingering spice and herb dusted sweet-dry tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2018 Frichette Merlot, Red Mountain ($45) - Sourced from the Scooteney Flats and Quintessence vineyards, this offers rich aromas of blackberry, cherry, black currant, black roses and sultry incense. The flavors are simultaneously chewy and silky with integrated oak and suede leather on the long, slightly grainy finish. 19/20 points.

The "Black Wines" of Malbec

On Red Mountain and in Prosser, we came across some Malbecs that reminded us of the "black wines" of Cahors in central France where the grape originated. 

2018 Fidelitas Red Mountain Malbec ($45) - This displays an inky purple color and intense aromas of blackberries, blueberries, black currants and smoldering incense. The flavors are dark and brooding, yet accessible with loads of black and blue fruits and scorched earth. The back picks uo roasted berries and nuts, creme de cassis, followed by a firm yet sweetish finish. 19/20 points.

2018 Frichette Malbec, Red Mountain ($45) - From the Quintessence and Scooteney Flats vineyards, this boasts an opaque ruby-crimson color and intoxicating aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black currant, juniper berry and sweet incense. The flavors are dramatic, with loads of black and blue fruits that are infused with cacao and scorched earth, followed by a saturated back and ripe tannins. 19/20 points.

2017 Wautoma Springs "Lil Inky" Malbec, Wahluke Slope, Stone Tree Vineyard ($28) - Nearly opaque ruby-crimson colored, this emits intense aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black currant, crushed roses and spice incense. The flavors are thick and generous, followed on the back by roasted berries  and nuts, mocha and creme de cassis, followed by a savory finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2017 Wautoma Springs "Inky" Malbec, Wahluke Slope, Stone Tree Vineyard ($48) - This lives up to its name with an inky (squid) color and intense aromas of blackberries, blueberries, black currants, purple lilac, anise and spiced incense. The flavors are thick and mouth encompassing and the saturation continues on the back with macerated berries and roasted nuts, followed by a powerful velvety finish. 19+/20 points.

2019 Thurston Wolfe Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, McKinley Springs Vineyard ($30) - This presents a semi-opaque color and an intense, smoky nose of blackberry, blueberry, rosebuds, lavender, sagebrush and incense. The flavors are intermixed with licorice, bittersweet chocolate and Horse Heaven wind-blown earth. The wine intensifies on the back with roasted nuts, creme de cassis and blueberry preserves. 18.5+/20 points.

Wade Wolfe's Thurston Wolfe Winery offers terrific value. Most of the wines are $20 or less and are real bargains. Noteworthy is the 2020 Lemberger Rosé which shows a copper-pink color and perfumed aromas of pink cherries, pomegranate, pink grapefruit and deftly extracted flavors. 18.5/20 points. A steal for $15. This and other Thurston Wolfe wines will be in the July issue of the Review of Washington Wines.