Barnard Griffin Merlot

Barnard Griffin Merlot is a Columbia Valley, Washington red wine bottled at 13.8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2022 vintage earned 90 points from Wine Spectator, which praised its sleek structure and expressive fruit character—a strong showing for a Washington Merlot at this price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.8%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Aged 11 Months in French Oak  |  Winery: Barnard Griffin

Production & Heritage

Barnard Griffin Winery is a long-established, family-owned producer in Washington State, recognized as one of the Columbia Valley's reliable sources for varietal-driven wines. The Merlot undergoes twice-daily pumpovers during fermentation to maximize aromatic extraction and flavor depth—a more labor-intensive approach than many peers employ at this level. The wine is then aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, with 15% new oak providing a measured toast influence without overwhelming the fruit. Recent vintages have incorporated small amounts of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot alongside the dominant Merlot, adding complexity and structural support.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with tart pie cherry and plum, moving into floral tones of peonies and violets. Underneath, subtle coconut water and toasted oak notes add a gentle sweetness to the bouquet.

Taste: Red currant and fresh cherry lead the entry, joined at mid-palate by blackberry and sweet biscuit flavors. The body is medium, carried along by modest acidity and velvety tannins that give the wine a plush, juicy feel without heaviness. Savory spice notes and hints of hazelnut emerge toward the peak.

Finish: The finish is sleek and soft, gliding off with lingering dark berry, licorice, and earthy nuances. It wraps cleanly, leaving a gentle vanilla-oak impression that fades gradually.

How to Drink Barnard Griffin Merlot

This Merlot drinks well at cellar temperature—around 60–65°F—and benefits from 15 to 20 minutes of breathing before the first pour. Its soft tannin structure and fruit-forward profile also make it a versatile red for mixing. A Merlot Sangria with stone fruit and citrus plays off the wine's plum and cherry core. A simple Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) highlights its juicy, approachable body in a casual setting. And a New York Sour—a whiskey sour floated with red wine—gains vivid color and berry complexity from this Columbia Valley bottling.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want a reliable, food-friendly red without overthinking it
• Introducing someone to Washington State Merlot for the first time
• Hosting a casual wine tasting focused on Pacific Northwest reds
• Stocking a versatile house red that performs across multiple seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Barnard Griffin Merlot taste like? It delivers juicy red currant, fresh cherry, and blackberry flavors supported by savory spice, sweet biscuit, and a touch of toasted oak. The tannins are velvety and the acidity is moderate, giving the wine a soft, lush mouthfeel.

How does Barnard Griffin Merlot compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot? Both are flagship Columbia Valley Merlots at a similar price point, but Barnard Griffin tends toward a more aromatic, floral profile with its twice-daily pumpover regimen and measured new-oak program. Chateau Ste. Michelle's Merlot is widely distributed and leans slightly more toward dark plum and chocolate tones.

Is Barnard Griffin Merlot good for beginners? Its medium body, soft tannins, and fruit-forward character make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring red wine or Washington State Merlot specifically. The 13.8% ABV keeps it balanced and approachable.

Where is Barnard Griffin Merlot made? It is produced by Barnard Griffin Winery in Washington State, using grapes sourced from the Columbia Valley AVA—one of the largest and most important wine-growing regions in the Pacific Northwest.

What foods pair well with Barnard Griffin Merlot? Roasted lamb chops complement the wine's savory spice and dark berry notes. Mushroom risotto echoes its earthy undertones. Grilled Italian sausage matches its medium weight and juicy acidity. Aged Gouda highlights the subtle hazelnut and vanilla flavors. Herb-crusted pork tenderloin pairs naturally with the plum and cherry core.

What sizes does Barnard Griffin Merlot come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Barnard Griffin Merlot worth the price? It positions as an entry-level to mid-range Washington Merlot, and its 90-point Wine Spectator score on the 2022 vintage suggests it significantly overdelivers relative to its price tier. Few Columbia Valley Merlots at this level receive comparable critical recognition.

Why Barnard Griffin Merlot?

The 90-point Wine Spectator rating on the 2022 vintage places this bottling among the best-reviewed Washington Merlots in its price class. The winery's twice-daily pumpover protocol during fermentation extracts a level of aromatic complexity and flavor concentration that is uncommon at this tier. Aging for 11 months in French oak—with only 15% new barrels—demonstrates restraint, allowing the Columbia Valley fruit to lead rather than the wood. For anyone looking to understand why Washington State has earned a reputation as world-class Merlot territory, this is one of the most straightforward and rewarding places to start.