The Mercer Bros. tier is an extension of Mercer Estates, a family operation that planted the first wine grapes in the Columbia Valley’s Horse Heaven Hills nearly 50 years ago. The Mercer Bros. Cabernet Sauvignon was recently ranked as a “Top 100” wine. These latest releases are exceptional values. You can find many of them on store shelves at major retail outlets, however some of the very limited reserve wines like the Eagle & Plow 2017 BLOCK 93 Cabernet Sauvignon (reviewed below) can be found only at their tasting room.
Mercer Estates Winery & Tasting Room
3100 Lee Rd, Prosser
Open Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm or by appointment
(509) 786-2097
www.mercerwine.com
Here are reviews of 4 recent releases from Mercer Bros. and Mercer Estates:
Mercer Bros. 2018 “Edge of Heaven” Red Blend, Horse Heaven Hills
91 pts.
Supple and fruit forward, this proprietary red is crafted with a significant portion of Merlot blended with Syrah, Cabernet and Malbec. Dark plum and bing cherry flavors leap from the glass, backed by a dusting of Madagascar cocoa and expressive accents of violet, forest floor and spice. The finish is honed with snowflake tannins supported by a beam of fresh acidity that gives duration and an underlay of power. $24.99
Mercer Bros. 2020 Merlot Horse Heaven Hills
91 pts.
Bold with refined structure, leading with aromas of raspberry preserve, dried coconut, crème brulee and light cedar. Blueberry and dried red current mingle on the smooth and full-bodied palate, layered with cocoa and earthen spice. A swath of burnished tannins extends the finish with resounding length. $24.99
Mercer Estates Eagle & Plow 2017 BLOCK 93 Cabernet Sauvignon
97 pts.
Vineyard BLOCK 93 is a prime one-acre block planted wholly to Cabernet Sauvignon on a south-facing slope in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. This bottling is a small-lot, single-varietal from this site and one of the finest we’ve seen from this AVA to date. Poised, with an elegant bearing from front to finish, this shows finesse yet with plenty of power in reserve. The pillowy-smooth structure follows through with firm, refined tannins and a clean undertow of fresh acidity that develop muscle as the spacious palate unfolds with precision. Concentrated blackberry, cassis and red currant gush with accents of rose petal, violet, eucalyptus, coffee and graphite. Drinks excellent now, with aging potential for at least another decade to come. $100
Mercer Bros. 2021 Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hill
90 pts.
Creamy and approachable, offering aromas and flavors of fresh peach, pineapple and butterscotch with toasted accents. A ripe version with good weight and smooth textural feel through the finish. $16.99