Kennedy Shah Merlot Columbia Valley 2012
The Data
Country USA
Appellation Columbia Valley
Varietal Merlot
Retail Price $14
ABV 13.8%
Score 3 Stars/85 points
In the Glass
Appearance
Deep garnet red color.
Aromatics
Dense, concentrated red and black berries take the lead with mineral, earth, and brown spices in support.
Flavor
The palate is just as rich with black cherry taking the lead with accents of cassis, coffee bean, earth, and oak.
Intensity & Texture
This is a bold Merlot with moderate, firm tannins, and long lingering earth tones.
Cool Factor
Columbia Valley Merlot has long been prized by wine lovers looking for full and complex wines just like this.
Value Grade
At $14 a bottle (retail) this is a great wine by the glass.
Analysis
The deep, dense blend includes 15% Cabernet Franc. This balanced Merlot is made by Jean Claude Beck with the winemaker's French roots and love of juicy, extracted wines evident.
How to Enjoy
It's a bold wine with moderate tannins that is certainly asking for food. Grilled meats and sausages are great accompaniments.