Review: 2016 Mercer Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
So your first question must be: What or where is Horse Heaven Hills? Check the fine print (or Google) and you’ll learn that it’s in southeastern Washington, part of the state’s huge Columbia Valley.
Mercer Family Vineyards makes a huge selection of wines across five different quality tiers. These two from the HHH AVA fall roughly in the middle of the lineup.
2016 Mercer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills – A hint of pineapple opens the door to this slightly unusual chardonnay, which offers notes of vanilla shortbread, caramel, whipped cream, and a touch of berry fruit that seemingly comes out of nowhere. Interesting stuff that throws chardonnay for a bit of a loop. B+ / $20
2016 Mercer Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills – A bold and aggressive cabernet, drinking young. Lots of fresh fruit to go around — chocolaty blackcurrant and raspberry are prominent, with a finish the veers heavily into vanilla, with a touch of walnut. Bring your A-game (at least in terms of power) when it comes to pairing. B / $25
2016 Mercer Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills
$25
