Price: $6
Maker: Snoqualmie Vineyards, Paterson, Washington
Variety: Merlot
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, natural cork
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Our Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Snoqualmie Merlot 2000 (Columbia Valley) is an interesting wine from the state of Washington. We were a bit surprised to find the 2000 vintage on the shelf at the local market. For an inexpensive wine like this, one doesn’t expect to see six year old bottles. Indeed, according to the Snoqualmie website, they are shipping the 2003 Merlot now. Nevertheless, we gave it a try and ended up happy that we did. The Snoqualmie Merlot has a rich aroma of smoke and black cherry. These notes continue into the flavor of the wine, along with oak. The resulting flavor is juicy and rich. Overall, the fruit may not predominate in the same way as some California Merlots, but we found the complex, smoky mix to be quite pleasant.
Judging by current online prices, the bottle we picked up was a bargain. We might have to venture out and snag a couple more for entertaining or friends.