September 27, 2016 - The Gordon Brothers Winery has as its main focus to provide good quality wines at a decent price, and the Merlot they made is a fine introduction to how good a Merlot Washington State can make for around $20. At 11 years old, the wine remains opaque black to the edge. The nose is a delightful and inviting black cherry. The sipped wine enters the mouth very smooth and juicy. Only after the swallow does the taste veer into some firm tannin that helps the wine never taste flabby, age well for at least a decade, add blackberry, and taste well with fatty and meaty foods. Overall, a generous, delicious, and fruity Merlot with refreshing acidity and good concentration.
February 2, 2012 - Minneapolis Wine Club California Merlot; 2/1/2012-2/2/2012: Typical Washington State Merlot with cherry, plum and spice. Some oak and touch of sweetness. Drink now.
January 28, 2012 - Minneapolis Wine Club Does Merlot (Gail's House): Very dark red color. Ws open for 3+ hours in the bottle, then aerated into glasses. Drank small pour over 20 minutes. Nose shows oak, dark red fruits, earth, spice. The palate is consistent, tart, average finish that is a bit metallic. 87+pts.
January 29, 2011 - on the nose im getting heavy chocolate and leather with some wonderful dark fruits and caramel apples. on the palette there is black cherry and blackberry fruit with some substantial tannins to balance out the sweet. great chocolate and licorice on the mid. the finish is long and fruitastic! i like merlots but i really like this one!
November 28, 2010 - Wine, just ok; weak fruit: drank with O'Rourkes
October 3, 2010 - Dark and complex, but oak is a little overpowering. Decant or hold and hope this integrates. Does have potential over the next few years.
April 14, 2010 - 88 on night one and 89 on night 2
March 18, 2010 - Great nose of dark cherry; black fruit with just-right oak on the palate. Very nice.
February 28, 2010 - As opposed to the last bottle, this one devolved rather than evolved between nights one and two. I gave this an 89 on night one and an 87 on night two.
February 27, 2010 - Soft, supple Merlot from Washington, which has made a name for itself in this grape. Nice effort. I had cellared this for two years.