Deep ruby colored with a magenta rim, the 2018 Merlot is dense, firm and tight in the glass. Aromas of dusty cherry skin and plum sway with elements of subtle baking spices and baked clay. Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays mineral tension with elements of dried red and black fruit, pencil shavings and dusty cherry blossom in the mouth. The wine ends with a firm, tannic edge that leaves me wanting more finesse. The wine spent 20 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Just over 4,900 bottles were filled.

The 2017 Merlot has aromas of red fruit on the nose, with soft baking spices and a subtle herbal lift. The wine is overly tannic on the palate and very grippy on the gumline, in need of some fine-tuning. The chewy tannins drive the tight finish, masking much of the wine's natural beauty. 173 cases made. I don't think the fruit will hold on for much longer before the the tannins have time to settle.

The 2015 Columbia Valley Merlot reveals an oaky bouquet of toasted coconut and vanilla pod in which notions of ripe black fruits play a decidedly secondary role. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, lavish and chewy, with the flavors—and, I suspect, tannins—imparted by new oak dominating any varietal character. This would be better described as an exercise in carpentry than winemaking.

The 2014 Columbia Valley Merlot from Woodward Canyon is a ripe, chocolate, fudge and blackcurrant-scented red that has medium to full-bodied richness in a concentrated, plump, slightly chunky style. It lacks some elegance and purity, but it's a solid effort.

The 2013 Merlot has plenty of oak, yet also plenty of fruit, with medium to full-bodied richness and lots of black cherry, leafy herbs, truffle and blackcurrants aromas and flavors. Rich, nicely textured, with ripe tannin and outstanding length, drink it anytime over the coming decade.