2021 J. Bookwalter - Merlot Columbia Valley Readers (750ml)

J. Bookwalter Winery was founded in Richland, Washington, by Jerry Bookwalter, a ninth generation member of a family with deep roots in American agriculture. Jerry moved to the Tri-Cities from California in 1976 and helped establish some of the state's most storied vineyards, including Bacchus, Dionysus, and Conner Lee, before starting his own winery in the early 1980s. His son John took over in 1997, expanding the brand and giving each wine a literary theme, a nod to the family name that lives on in bottlings like Readers, Foreshadow, and Protagonist, as well as the winery's onsite restaurants.

Readers Merlot draws on some of the same historic vineyard sites Jerry Bookwalter helped plant decades earlier, spread across the broad Columbia Valley appellation in Eastern Washington. The 2021 growing season brought a mild winter, an early bloom, and a stretch of record June heat, producing a smaller, more concentrated crop that was harvested early. The wine underwent extended fermentation before aging in French oak, resulting in a wine with real depth for its accessible, everyday price point.

Garnet in color, this Merlot offers aromas of ripe plum, cherry, and savory herb, with cocoa and a touch of cedar. On the palate, juicy red and black fruits mingle with mocha, vanilla, and light spice, framed by silky, fine grained tannins. It works well with roast chicken, grilled pork, or pasta Bolognese.