Mercer Estates upholds the family’s long-standing belief that sustainability and conservation are the single most important factors in the continued success of not just the winery and vineyard side of the operation, but the farming side as well. They grow a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, garlic, onions, kale and (most importantly) wine grapes.
The family farm lies within the Horse Heaven Hills of eastern Washington State, which was founded by their great grandfather Willis Mercer in 1886. Brothers Rob and Will Mercer’s family continue farming the fertile soil on the high desert plateau to this day.
As both growers and producers the Mercer’s exercise strict quality control and sustainable farming practices at every stage from vine to bottling. It’s notable that this winery consistently offers solid values at practically every price point and for every palate.
Below are 10 recent releases from their various labels:
Mercer Estates 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $42
Editors Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Pure, rich and beautifully integrated, with graphite-laced steeped blackberry, fig, black cherry, cassis, tobacco leaf and cocoa-accented edges that blend in masterfully. Elegantly structured with ultra-fine, polished tannins that gain persistence on the lasting, impressive finish.
Mercer Family Vineyards 2017 Reserve Horse Heaven Hills Heritage Blend, $24.99
Editors Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Robust, brimming with a savory richness that highlights blackberry coulis, currants and dark cherry, backed by mocha, warm spice and mineral notes. Fresh acidity and supple tannins thread through the energetic and expressive finish. Blend of Syrah, Merlot, Malbec
Mercer Bros. 2017 Merlot Horse Heaven Hills, $19.99
Editors Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Bold, smooth and polished, with notable balance and an earthy core of black plum streaked with blueberry, Madagascar vanilla bean and cocoa powder. Nuances of candied nuts and spice weigh in on the rich finish, graced with fine tannins.
Mercer Bros. 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills, $19.99
Editors Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Aged 16 months in 25 percent new French and American oak barrels, all from estate vineyards. Richly built, well structured and full flavored, with a trifecta of blackberry, blueberry and raspberry cobbler intertwined with warm accents of crème brulee, dried red currant and eucalyptus leaf. Firm, sweet tannins contribute depth on the long finish.
Mercer Bros. 2018 Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills, $16.99
Editors Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
From two of the best sites in the Horse Heaven Hills, Eagle and Plow Vineyard and Zephyr Ridge, a portion was fermented in barrels through malolactic fermentation. Well framed, this plush, creamy white wine shows elegant balance between the rich fruit and savory barrel spice. Fresh pear, apple and lemon and lime combine with a light touch of caramel and toast that meld seamlessly on the juicy long finish.
Mercer Estates Horse Heaven Hills Culloden Vineyard Viognier, $18
Editors Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
An incredible value! One third of this white wine was fermented in an Italian clay amphorae, which allowed for great aromatics. Vivid and refreshing, leading with tantalizing aromas of peach, meadow flowers and tropical citrus. The mouthfeel is lusciously round and smooth, offering fresh-tasting apple and pear flavors streaked with limestone on the clean-cut finish. A standout version of Viognier that demonstrate’s Washington’s capability to compete with this varietal from regions around the world.
Mercer Estates 2018 Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills, $18
Editors Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Sourced from two premium sites in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA: Eagle & Plow Vineyard and Zephyr Ridge Vineyard. This version tempts with distinctive aromas of apple, baking spice, lemon zest and white flowers. Slightly creamy with an unctuous mouthfeel, the flavors evolve with complimentary layers of baked pear, lemon curd and hints of almond. Satisfying from front to finish, this is a very well made wine with excellent fruit that won’t disappoint Chardonnay lovers for a great price. A portion of the blend was fermented in barrel and went through malolactic fermentation which adds to the smooth yet complex feel.
Mercer Family Vineyards 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $16.99
Editors Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Sourced from Spice Cabinet and Culloden Vineyard, this version is classically styled and spot on, emoting a complex array of ruby red grapefruit draped over lip smacking acidity deftly layered with lemon verbena, limestone and honeysuckle. Precise and well cut.
ICAN Rosé, $7.99
Editors Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Aromas of red berries, ripe watermelon and lemon citrus lead to a core of white cherry, strawberry and cranberry flavors packed into a sleek frame. Streaming with freshness that keeps it balanced, infused with floral and spice accents on the racy finish. Grenache 68%, Cinsault, Syrah, Counoise, Sangiovese
ICAN Chardonnay, $7.99
Editors Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Round and refreshing, offering buttery overtones with ripe citrus fruit flavors that are complex with being overly weighty. Assertive layers of butterscotch, honeysuckle, fresh-picked pear and yellow apple mingle with light coconut cream notes on the clean finish.