We all know that Costco is The Cheap Wino’s dear friend. They have done it again!

This Merlot-Cab blend from Washington State is a great way to step into the big, oaked, Bordeaux-style blends of Washington State for a fraction of the price.  Thank you Costco!

I have a confession. I am not a big fan of Merlot. However, I prefer right-bank Bordeauxs that blend more merlot with cabernet sauvignon and I like oaked Washington State Merlot-Cabernet blends. Go figure.  This wine spends sixteen months in American and French oak and thank the angels!  That sixteen months gives this wine some toastiness to complement the dark red, rich fruit that comes through.

This wine would nicely complement anything big: lamb, steak, barbeque beef or a beef roast.

Composition: Merlot (78%), Cabernet Sauvignon (22%)

Appellation: Washington State – Columbia Valley

Appearance: Deep red, full-bodied

Aroma: The vanilla of the oak comes through along with old library

Taste: Red berries—cherry, currant; strong tannins