Possessing a composition of 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Carmenere, the 2019 Kiona Merlot was brought up in 40% new French, American and Hungarian oak. Medium violet in color, it shows oak and cherry on the nose. Slightly closed on the first pass, it has a slightly grippy tannic structure and carries some heat early. Tart black cherry, sweet tar and bittersweet cocoa emerge with time in the glass. It never quite softened heading mid-palate through the short finish, but it did show slight plum skin and menthol late in the game. I’d give this wine a few years in the cellar before enjoying over the following ten years.
| Rating | Value | Drink |
|---|
| 89 |
$34 |
2025-2035 |
| Country | Region | Appellation |
|---|
| United States |
Washington |
Red Mountain |
| Editor | Issue | Importer |
|---|
| R. Geresi |
May, 2023 |
|
