Canoe Ridge Merlot Reserve Block 13

Canoe Ridge Merlot Reserve Block 13 is a limited-production, single-block 100% Merlot from Columbia Valley, Washington, in a 750ml bottle. Part of the winery's Summit Series of specialty-block wines, this reserve bottling draws from Block 13 of the Canoe Ridge estate vineyard and has earned a CellarTracker community average of 88.9 points on the 2007 vintage.

Quick Facts: Varietal: 100% Merlot  |  Origin: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington  |  Style: Single-Block Reserve  |  Winery: Canoe Ridge Vineyard, Walla Walla

Production & Heritage

Canoe Ridge Vineyard is situated in the Walla Walla area of Washington State, with vineyards planted across the Columbia Valley AVA. Block 13 sits on soils that range from thin eolian loamy sand over bedrock to deep eolian sand over glacial slackwater sediments — a geological diversity that contributes distinct mineral character and structural complexity to the fruit. As part of the Summit Series, this wine is produced in small lots from specialty vineyard blocks and undergoes extensive aging in French oak barrels. Canoe Ridge estate wines have earned scores of 90 or higher on more than 40 releases, with the winery's Merlot program recognized by Wine Spectator's Top 100 list.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with dark purple fruit and a dusting of spice. Subtle smoky undertones emerge alongside hints of coconut and vanilla from the French oak aging.

Taste: The palate delivers juicy dark berry fruits — black currant and cassis — layered with coconut-vanilla oak flavors. Mid-palate weight is generous and sensual, supported by a surprising thread of acidity that recalls the bright structure of Sangiovese. The wine shows notable depth, with tannins that provide firm but supple scaffolding.

Finish: Dusty tannins carry the finish with moderate length, trailing off into notes of ripe dark plum and baking spice. A gentle earthiness lingers, reflecting the sandy-over-bedrock terroir of Block 13.

How to Drink Block 13

This reserve Merlot is best enjoyed at cellar temperature (60–65°F), either on its own or with 20–30 minutes of decanting to let the tannins soften and aromatics fully develop. It also pairs beautifully in food-centered settings: serve alongside braised short ribs, where the dark fruit mirrors the savory richness; with herb-crusted lamb chops, where the wine's acidity and spice complement the meat's fat; or alongside aged cheddar and charcuterie, where the tannin structure acts as a palate cleanser between bites.

Best For

• Gifting a Merlot enthusiast who appreciates single-vineyard Washington wines
• A special-occasion dinner featuring grilled or braised red meats
• Adding a limited-production Columbia Valley reserve to a cellar collection
• Hosting a comparative tasting of Washington State Merlots

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Block 13 taste like? Block 13 delivers juicy dark berry fruit — particularly black currant and cassis — layered with coconut-vanilla oak flavors, firm dusty tannins, and a bright streak of acidity that keeps the palate lively.

How does Block 13 compare to Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot? Columbia Crest Grand Estates is a widely available, value-tier Columbia Valley Merlot designed for everyday drinking, while Block 13 is a limited-production, single-block reserve with extended French oak aging and greater concentration. Block 13 shows more tannic structure and depth of dark fruit, reflecting its site-specific terroir.

Is Block 13 good for sipping on its own? Yes — its layered dark fruit, integrated oak, and balanced acidity make it a rewarding wine to drink without food, especially after a brief decant to open the aromatics.

Where is Block 13 made? Block 13 is produced by Canoe Ridge Vineyard, based in the Walla Walla area of Washington State, from estate-grown fruit in the Columbia Valley AVA.

What foods pair well with Block 13? Braised short ribs complement the wine's dark berry richness; herb-crusted lamb chops echo its spice notes; aged cheddar provides a textural contrast to the firm tannins; mushroom risotto matches the earthy undertones; and dark-chocolate desserts harmonize with the wine's cassis finish.

What sizes does Block 13 come in? Canoe Ridge Merlot Reserve Block 13 is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Block 13 worth the price? Block 13 positions as a premium, limited-production reserve within Canoe Ridge's Summit Series — a step above their standard range in concentration, oak treatment, and site specificity. For collectors and enthusiasts of Washington Merlot, it represents strong value relative to other single-block reserve wines from the Columbia Valley.

Why Block 13?

Single-block wines remain relatively uncommon in Washington State, and Block 13's unusual soil profile — eolian sand layered over both bedrock and glacial slackwater sediments — gives it a terroir signature that generic Columbia Valley blends cannot replicate. The Summit Series production model, with its small-lot winemaking and extended French oak aging, preserves the individuality of the fruit rather than smoothing it into a house style. An 88.9-point CellarTracker average on the 2007 vintage confirms consistent quality among knowledgeable drinkers. For anyone exploring what site-specific Merlot from Washington can achieve, this bottling is a focused and compelling example.