About this product
Canoe Ridge Estate's Merlot is Horse Heaven Hills at its most characteristic: from the 100-hectare benchland vineyard above the Columbia River, cooled by river breezes that preserve natural acidity alongside Horse Heaven's impressive ripeness. Deep ruby with dark cherry, plum, chocolate, tobacco, and the distinctive dusty mineral of Columbia River benchland. The wine has Washington Merlot's characteristic generosity and approachability combined with Horse Heaven Hills' structural sophistication — developing beautifully over 6-10 years. An approachable but serious expression of the sub-AVA.
Pairing intelligence
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Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot's dark cherry generosity and tobacco complexity finds an elegant pairing with roasted pork belly — the wine's Washington Merlot richness supports the pork's fat without the grip of Cabernet Sauvignon. Apple amplifies the wine's fruit character; sage bridges the Merlot's earthy tobacco dimension; the slow roast's caramelisation creates beautiful wine-food tannin integration.
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Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot's plum and chocolate generosity creates a compelling Pacific Northwest-Mediterranean bridge with lamb kefta — the wine's approachable richness supports the spiced lamb without dominating; eggplant's earthy depth mirrors the Merlot's benchland mineral character; tzatziki's yoghurt freshness bridges wine and food with clean acid. A Horse Heaven Hills pairing of unexpected versatility.
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