No wimpy Merlot here; Hogue pumps it up by adding generous amounts of Syrah and Lemberger to the blend. This has more texture, color and weight than any ten buck California Merlot, and enough muscular tannin to stand up to whatever you’re throwing on the grill.——P.G.(8/1/2005)—— 87

Simple berry fruit, tinged with mocha and smoke hits the palate with medium body, some acidity, and rustic tannin in the finish. It is a medium-weight, straightforward Merlot to drink over the next 3-4 years. Tel. (509) 786-4557

Aromas of coffee, herbs, and ripe fruit jump from a glass of this precocious, flattering-styled Merlot. It possesses good ripeness, medium body, a soft texture, and lovely fruit in the easy-going finish. This should be a real crowd-pleaser, as long as readers do not mind the herbal/coffee side of Merlot. Tel. (509) 786-4557