The 2007 Merlot contains 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc aged for 12 months in 60% new oak, primarily American. Deep purple in color, it displays an attractive bouquet of sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, lavender, cassis, and black currant. Ripe, easy-going, and layered on the palate, this is a pleasure-bent offering that can be enjoyed now but has the stuffing to evolve for 1-2 years. Tel. (509) 526-3533; www.tamarackcellars.com

Dark and juicy, the tight flavors are a mix of black cherry and cassis, with a tart mouthfeel and smooth finishing tannins. Though it sees 60% new oak, the wine spends relatively little time in those barrels, and doesn’t show as much oak influence as you’d suspect. A firm finish from Red Mountain tannins brings in dark chocolate, smoke and coffee grounds.——P.G.(9/1/2010)—— 90