Milbrandt Vineyards Merlot The Estates 2012

This dark and smoky Merlot from the Milbrandt brothers’ holdings across the arid Wahluke Slope in the Columbia Basin offers aromas of black currant, blueberry, black licorice, earthiness and buttered popcorn. Flavors of plums, blueberries and black cherry show intense extraction, exploding across the palate with plum skin tannins, juicy pomegranate acidity and chai spices. Enjoy with Braised Angus Short Ribs,

Aromas of cocoa and coffee are mixed with black licorice and dark berries, with this wine showing some reduction out of the gate that detracts. The flavors are rich and full bodied, carrying some warmth on the finish. The aromas and flavors seem disconnected.