A big step up, the 2011 Merlot Columbia Valley is a delicious effort that gives up beautiful creme de cassis, black raspberry, licorice, spice and assorted wild herbs to go with a medium to full-bodied, layered and decadent style on the palate. Aged 19 months in new French oak, enjoy this beautifully textured, seamless and nicely structured effort over the coming 10 to 12 years. Tel. (509) 525-4129; www.woodwardcanyon.com