2018 Substance Merlot Vineyard Collection (Me) Northridge Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Tighter than the Stoneridge, the 2018 Merlot Northridge Vineyard is firm with a rocky core before showing aromas of black cherry and dusty plum skin that sway with rocky and oak-inflected essences. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chewy with a firm tannic edge that needs a bit more time to come together in the bottle. Give it one more year, or enjoy it with food now. The wine spent 22 months in 50% new French oak. Just under 5,000 bottles were made.
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Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Rich aromas of blackberry, plum, chocolate orange, tar and tobacco. It’s full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins. Rich, deep and concentrated, yet fresh. Flavorful, chocolatey finish. Drink or hold.
Part of the estate Vineyard Collection series and from a site on the Wahluke Slope, the 2018 Merlot Northridge Vineyard sports healthy ruby/purple hue (it's almost opaque) to go with a full-bodied, round, lush style carrying ample red and black cherry fruits, notes of tobacco leaf, earth, and graphite, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I love its mid-palate, and this is one rich, sexy, concentrated Merlot that can be enjoyed any time over the coming 10-12 years, if not longer. Wines of Substance is the Bordeaux side of the K Vintners releases.