By Gerardo Lombardi –
When hearing about wine from the United States, many people immidiately think about California, the famous sub-regions and the super-premium wines from there.
Regarding the quality of the wines Washington is surely on the same level as California, but maybe only less known and important on foreign markets. Today I had the possibility to try some “old world” varieties from Washington: one Semillon and one Merlot.
Semillon is one of the important white varieties in Bordeaux (for dry and noble sweet wines) and is also increasingly used in the Languedoc area.
This one by famous producer L’Ecole 41 was blended with 13% of Sauvignon Blanc.
A really interesting style here as it is both – smokey and fruity! Opens with crushed stones, rock melon, green mango, quince and hint of walnut shell.
Dry, juicy and pretty creamy mouthfeel. Some salty-smokey notes pair with nutty and slightly buttery flavours. Less fruity on the palate.
Good persistency with a defensive, but creamy acidity and some bitter/zesty hints in the finish.
Nice Semillon and I have to admit that I could not tell you if old or new world. Reminds me a bit of a smokey german Silvaner.Thats why I think that this would definitely pair well with grilled seafood and some asparagus.
Rating: 14/20 – Good wine which shows some potential for storage as it still is a bit austere (in a positive way)
You can get it at: vinexus.de
Textbook Merlot here!
The Seven Falls Winery has a pretty young history and was founded in 2012 in one of Washigton’s hottest subregions called “Wahluke Slope”.
This Merlot was aged for 18 months in oak barrels and got also a dash of Syrah (3%).
Definitely the right wine to pick if you need something for your next BBQ as it has lots of power and is a pretty good value, too.
Opens with promising notes of crushed blackberry, cherry jam, dried plum, vanilla and smoke.
Medium-bodied and elegant appearance on the palate with lots of juicy red and black fruit. The tannins still show up pretty young, but are already grainy and pair well with the fruity acidity. Balanced-smooth finish with more berries and in the aftertaste.
Rating: 14.5/20 – A very good and characteristic Merlot. Drinks beautifully right now, but can also be stored for another couple of years to gain a bit more complexity.
You are already planning the next BBQ?
Then get it here: vinexus.de