Jacob Williams’ 2010 Merlot

Have you heard? Paleo Lifestyle Magazine is having a Link-Up Party and the recipes all look amazing! And they all take 30 minutes or less!

So…three things I love about Hood River (and The Gorge): everybody has chickens (farm fresh eggs for days), quality coffee is valued and served, and there are at least 40 wineries in The Gorge (wine tasting for days).

Jacob Williams is an independent family producer or remarkable premium wines and they are located in Washington just 30-35 minutes from Hood River. ‘For over a decade, propietor Brad Gearhart and regionally renowned wine-maker John Haw have partnered to produce wines from the Columbia Valley and Columbia Gorge AVAs. John carefully hand-selects each vineyard and allows the vineyards to dictate what the style will be. Aging his wine for up to 36 months, John’s experience and dedication continues to produce premium award winning wines year after year.’ So fantastic wine that is sophisticated and accessible AND a beautiful location!

I’ve had the pleasure of sampling several of their wines and most recently had the opportunity to try their 2010 Merlot for the first time and share it with my family. The end of last week cooled off a bit, which was lovely and provided the perfect opportunity to enjoy a great Merlot.

Jacob Williams 2010 Merlot

Hi-Valley Vineyard – The Dalles, OR – Columbia Valley AVA

From Jacob Williams: This Merlot has been superbly crafted and is one of our signature wines. Exceptional taste, balance and structure with notes of berries, dark cherries, smoky cedar and cocoa.

Just as their other wines, the Merlot did not disappoint. This full-bodied, fruit forward red has excellent flavor and a pleasant, lingering finish. Everything I love about a good Merlot. This would be a fantastic wine with a steak. I paired it with a Sundried-Tomato and Chicken salad. The tartness of the tomatoes plays well with the smokiness of the wine. Truly, one of my favorite Merlot’s to date.

Jacob Williams has a stunning newly opened Tasting Room open everyday from 10am-6pm. I highly recommend you stop by for a visit and a taste if you are in the area. They also have a fantastic wine club that boasts a discount of 20-40%, invitations to special events, and many other benefits including the use of their fabulous facility. For more information about wine club, email Crystal at crystal@jacobwilliamswinery.com.