The 2004 Merlot Columbia Valley has 12% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot in the blend. Drawn from a number of vineyards, the wine spent 18 months in French oak, 40% new. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Dark ruby-colored, it has an attractive nose of toasty red and black fruits, especially cassis and black cherry. The wine is forward and supple-textured with plenty of ripe, sweet fruit and excellent balance. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 6 years. Tel. (509) 525-0940, www.lecole.com

This is a very classy, sophisticated wine, blended from a wide range of Washington vineyards. It’s really a Right Bank-styled Bordeaux blend, 80% Merlot, 12% Cab Franc, and a smattering of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Berries and spice, chocolate and herb, and many other lightly applied nuances make this a pleasure to sip. ——P.G.(10/1/2006)—— 90