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2016 Abeja Merlot

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Latest Sale Price

November 13, 2022 - $34

Estimate

RATINGS

94Jeb Dunnuck

Terrific red currants, blackberries, spice box, and cedary herb notes all flow to a plump, medium to full-bodied Merlot that hits the palate with loads of fruit, a stacked mid-palate, and a great finish.

92+ Vinous / IWC

Lovely perfumed lift to the aromas of dark raspberry, cherry and sandalwood; as much red as black in character. Intensely flavored and sharply delineated, offering captivating inner-mouth perfumed lift to its dark berry and licorice flavors.

92James Suckling

Ripe dark plums and an earthy edge to the nose that makes for enticing style. The palate has ample fleshy depth and a round, supple texture with abundant spiced plums on offer.

91Wine Spectator

Polished and elegantly complex, with refined black cherry, mocha and thyme flavors that glide toward plush tannins.

90Wine Enthusiast

High-register aromas of baking spices, dried herbs, dried leaf and toast lead to deft, plump dark fruit flavors with ample barrel notes to go along with them. It shows a sense of refinement and elegance that heightens the appeal. There's plenty of richness as well, with fruit and barrel playing equal parts.

PRODUCER

Abeja

Abeja in Walla Walla had its first release with the 2001 vintage. Abeja was started in 2000 when Ken and Ginger Harrison stayed as guests at the historic inn on the Abeja propertys, then purchased the inn and the farm. In 2002 they were joined by John Abbot and Molly Galt, founders of Canoe Ridge Vineyard. John Abbott is the winemaker at Abeja. Abeja has estate vineyards in the Walla Wally Valley appellation, and also sources grapes from the Columbia Valley. The estate makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Viognier, Merlot and Chardonnay. Abeja wines typically earn ratings in the 90s from wine reviewers.

REGION

United States, Washington, Columbia Valley

Columbia Valley AVA is larger than some states. At 18,000 square miles, or 11 million acres, the appellation covers almost half of Washington State and a small part of Oregon on the south side of the Columbia River. Established in 1984, Columbia Valley contains numerous sub appellations within its boundaries, including Yakima Valley AVA and Walla Walla AVA, both large and important wine districts. Columbia Valley AVA, generally called the Columbia Basin by Pacific Northwesterners, is in the Columbia River Plateau, and the AVA also includes a section of northeastern Oregon. There are dozens of microclimates within this appellation of about 7,000 vineyard acres. Many kinds of grapes are grown in the Columbia Valley, though the principal grapes planted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. Eastern Washington experiences very hot summers and cold winters, and the northern latitude means that Washington vineyards receive several more hours of sun in the summer than California vineyards. Grapes in Washington therefore have time to develop significant tannins and overall ripeness.

TYPE

Red Wine, Merlot

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.