Leading wine critics recently lauded Mercer Bros. Cabernet Sauvignon as one of the top 100 wines of the past year. Comprehensive quality control in the vineyards allows Mercer Estates Winery owners Rob and Brenda Mercer to deliver exciting estate-grown wines at quite exceptional values. Their tiered brands offer satisfaction at any price point, from value-driven reds and whites to ultra-premium reserve wines. Founded in 2005, this winery has expanded its appealing brands to wide ranging palates not just here in the Pacific Northwest, but across the nation.
The Mercers’ family has been farming in the Horse Heaven Hills since 1886 and their beginnings in the wine industry date back to 1972 where they remain deeply rooted in the AVA. Read more about these ambassadors of Washington wine in the article here.
Look for Mercer wines (as well as their can wines labeled ICAN) at major retail outlets. But it’s our opinion that a visit to the Prosser tasting room or, better yet, signing up as a wine club member are the best ways to procure some of the higher-rated, smaller-production wines, including the Reserves and Small Lot-label.
Mercer Estates Tasting Room & Winery
Address: 3100 Lee Rd, Prosser
Phone: (509) 786-2097
www.mercerwine.com
Below are 11 new releases we reviewed:
Mercer Estates 2017 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills
93 pts.
Only 92 cases were made of this reserve red, sourced from their finest barrels. Weightless in feel, the structure is notable, flexing with elegant power and cloaked with polished tannins and ethereal texture. Long and driven, with a concentrated core of brooding cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, and graphite. 92 cases produced. $42
Mercer Estates 2017 Reserve Syrah Horse Heaven Hills
92 pts.
A velvety texture carries this powerful red with dense tannins and lively blackberry and blueberry flavors heavily accented with espresso, and stony minerality. Deep mouth coating, with an energetic backbone supported by fresh acidity, and extended duration on the finish. 117 cases produced. $42
Mercer Estates 2018 Small Lot Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills
92 pts.
Energetic, sleek and compact, the purity of flavors evolve on the structured palate, delivering a luscious mouthfeel and rich tapestry of raspberry preserves, cherry and blackberry complemented by mineral, graphite and spice notes. Aged 20 months in French oak, only four select barrels were made. 179 cases produced. $32
Mercer Estates 2016 Small Lot Petit Verdot Horse Heaven Hills
90 pts.
Savory dried herbs, pencil lead and coconut shavings frame ripe blueberry, black currant and violet flavors in this plush, multilayered red. Medium in weight, with a nice touch of acidity that keeps it fresh and lively on the finish. 431 cases produced. $32
Mercer Family Vineyards 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills
91 pts.
Distinctive and balanced, displaying solid structure matched with fine tannins that weave through a framework of blackberry, cassis, espresso, cocoa and graphite. Stays well focused on the long and supple finish. $24.99
Mercer Estates 2017 Malbec Horse Heaven Hills
91 pts.
Direct and tightly built, showing red currant and cherry paste flavors gliding through lovely white pepper spice and floral hints of lavender and violet. The elements gain momentum, fortified by powder fine tannins that solidify the structure on the long finish. 556 cases produced. $25
Mercer Estates 2017 Merlot Horse Heaven Hills
92 pts.
Suave and gorgeously structured, this is a stellar version of Washington Merlot, showcasing a profile loaded with cassis, black plum, cherry and tobacco leaf. The estate fruit shines, delivering expressive flavors that deepen mid-palate, ultimately leaving a lasting impression on the long finish. 168 cases produced. $25
Mercer Bros. 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills
91 pts.
Loaded with personality, there’s a sultry undertow that charms with a finessed combination of blackberry, dried cherry, cassis and black olive layered with charred spice, dusty graphite, cocoa and bay leaf notes wrapped around firms tannins on the smooth finish. $19.99
Mercer Bros. 2018 “Edge of Heaven” Red Blend Horse Heaven Hills
90 pts.
This red is both rich and savory, with bold flavors of black stone fruit, boysenberry cobbler and mocha, intermingled with dried herbs and sweet tannins that fan out on the broadly built finish. $19.99
Mercer Bros. 2018 Merlot Horse Heaven Hills
90 pts.
Offers bold fruit, with luscious ripe cherry and blue fruit leading the charge, backed by ample savory expressions of tobacco, stony minerality and caramel brittle that draws out on the long, spirited finish. $19.99
Mercer Bros. 2019 Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills
90 pts.
Creamy smooth, offering an appealing mix of pear, apple, fresh cream and butterscotch with a twist of lemon citrus. A touch of cedary oak complements the balanced finish. $16.99