Cherry fruit with candy highlights quickly fills your mouth. Washington Merlot is often more substantial in this price range than competing wine regions. Nonetheless, this is a lightly herbal effort, with a slightly metallic finish. ——P.G.(2/1/2012)—— 86

Light and fruity, this Merlot might be mistaken for a Gamay, with a bit more tannin and bite. Pretty cherry candy fruit is underscored with chalky earth, giving it a wider range of potential food matches. Nice effort.——P.G.(12/31/2009)—— 87

Hogue is back as a value player. This is a fine effort, ripe enough to avoid the greenies, and showing some detail and cut to the tannins. There’s nothing wimpy here; it’s got some chewy red fruits backed with earthy tannins, acids proportionate, and a finish that’s just under 14% alcohol.——P.G.(5/1/2009)—— 87

Simple, clean and rounded out with balanced acids and just enough flesh to fill the mid-palate. It’s a fair value at this price. A hint of herb and green bean in the finish.——P.G.(11/1/2007)—— 86