Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot

Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant red blend from Columbia Valley, Washington State, bottled at 13.7% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2021 vintage earned 92 points from Wine Spectator, while the 2022 vintage took Double Gold at the Sunset International Wine Competition — consistent recognition that speaks to the quality Rob Griffin achieves vintage after vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.7%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington State  |  Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Syrah (2022)  |  Producer: Barnard Griffin Winery

Production & Heritage

Barnard Griffin Winery was founded in 1983 by Deborah Barnard and Rob Griffin in the Columbia Valley AVA. Griffin is recognized as the longest-practicing winemaker in Washington State, recently celebrating his 41st vintage. This Cabernet-Merlot blend sources fruit from multiple distinguished vineyards — Black Rock Vineyard in Yakima Valley AVA, Sagemoor Vineyard in Columbia Valley AVA, and Red Heaven Vineyard in Red Mountain AVA — giving the wine layered complexity from diverse terroirs. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation with pump-overs twice daily during primary fermentation, then ages for 19 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark plum and blueberry lead, followed by rose petals, dark chocolate, and crushed brick dust. Underneath, subtle vanilla and toasted oak from the French barrel program add depth without overpowering the fruit.

Taste: Black cherry and currant flavors arrive on a slick, refined entry. The mid-palate opens with black tea, cinnamon, and light herbal notes, while Merlot softens the structure and Syrah contributes a whisper of red pepper and spice. The mouthfeel is elegantly weighted — full enough to satisfy but never heavy.

Finish: Sleek and persistent, with refined tannins carrying tobacco, clove, and lingering dark fruit. The acidity is integrated yet notable, keeping the finish clean and inviting another sip.

How to Drink Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot

This blend rewards a slight decant of 30–45 minutes before serving at cellar temperature (60–65°F). It drinks beautifully on its own or with food. For cocktails and wine-based drinks: a Cabernet Sangria benefits from the wine's dark fruit intensity and spice complexity; a classic Mulled Wine plays well with the existing cinnamon and clove notes; and a simple Red Wine Spritzer stretches the bright acidity and cherry flavors into a lighter warm-weather serve.

Best For

• Weeknight dinner pairing with grilled steaks or roasted vegetables
• Gifting a Washington State wine enthusiast exploring Columbia Valley reds
• Building a cellar collection of consistently rated Pacific Northwest Cabernets
• Hosting a comparative tasting of Washington vs. California Cabernet blends

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot taste like? This is a fruit-forward yet structured red blend dominated by black cherry, dark plum, and currant flavors, layered with tobacco, cinnamon, and vanilla from 19 months of French oak aging. The tannins are refined rather than aggressive, and a thread of bright acidity keeps the palate balanced.

How does Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot compare to Charles Smith Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignons in a similar price tier, but the Barnard Griffin blend incorporates Merlot and Syrah for added mid-palate softness and spice. Charles Smith's bottling tends toward bolder extraction and more prominent new oak influence, while the Barnard Griffin leans toward elegance and vineyard-driven complexity.

Is Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot good for sipping neat? Yes — Wine Spectator described the 2021 vintage as "elegantly structured" with a "sleek finish," making it well-suited to drinking on its own with a brief decant to open the aromatics.

Where is Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot made? It is produced by Barnard Griffin Winery in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington State. The grapes are sourced from Black Rock Vineyard (Yakima Valley AVA), Sagemoor Vineyard (Columbia Valley AVA), and Red Heaven Vineyard (Red Mountain AVA).

What foods pair well with Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot? Grilled ribeye steak works with the wine's firm tannin structure. Braised lamb shanks echo its dark plum and spice notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère complement the vanilla and tobacco undertones. Mushroom risotto highlights the earthy complexity, while dark chocolate desserts mirror the wine's cocoa aromatics.

What sizes does Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot worth the price? This wine positions as a mid-range Columbia Valley red that consistently punches above its weight in critical scoring — a 92 from Wine Spectator and Double Gold at the Sunset International Wine Competition place it among the best values in Washington State Cabernet blends.

Why Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot?

The strongest case for this wine is the experience behind it: Rob Griffin's four-decade tenure as Washington's longest-practicing winemaker translates into a level of vineyard knowledge and blending precision that few competitors can match at this price point. Multi-vineyard sourcing across three distinct AVAs — Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, and Red Mountain — gives the blend a structural complexity that single-vineyard wines at this tier rarely achieve. Consistent critical recognition across multiple vintages, including a Wine Spectator 92 and Sunset International Double Gold, confirms this is not a one-off success but a reliable expression of Columbia Valley Cabernet. For anyone exploring the depth of Washington State reds, this blend serves as a compelling benchmark.