Cursive Merlot

Cursive Merlot is a Columbia Valley red wine made from Merlot grapes sourced from Washington's Wahluke Slope, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2020 vintage earned 87 points from Wine Enthusiast, placing it firmly among well-regarded Washington Merlots at an accessible price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Varietal: Merlot  |  Oak: 100% American

Production & Heritage

Cursive Signature is a wine label that partners with various producers across Washington State rather than operating its own estate vineyard. The Merlot draws fruit from the Wahluke Slope, a warm, arid sub-appellation within the larger Columbia Valley AVA known for producing richly concentrated red wines. The grapes are gently pressed and the resulting wine is aged in 100% American oak, a choice that imparts subtle vanilla and spice character while preserving the fruit-forward personality of the varietal.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe plum and black cherry lead the nose, followed by understated notes of baking spice and a hint of dried herbs. The aromatics are generous without being heavy, signaling the wine's medium-to-full body.

Taste: The palate opens with Bing cherry and blueberry, building through a mid-palate of Bosc pear and soft clove. Tannins are smooth and well-integrated, lending structure without astringency. A natural acidity runs through the core, keeping the dark fruit flavors bright and layered rather than jammy.

Finish: Medium in length with a soft, balanced fade. Lingering plum and a whisper of black tea carry the wine to a clean close.

How to Drink Cursive Merlot

This Merlot shows well at a slight chill — around 60–65°F — and benefits from 15 to 20 minutes of breathing after opening to let the oak and fruit fully integrate. It works beautifully in several classic preparations:

• Classic Bordeaux Blend cocktail (wine-based): Use it as the red wine base in a Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a twist of orange peel; its plush fruit holds up against dilution.
• Sangria: The ripe cherry and plum profile pairs naturally with sliced stone fruit and citrus in a traditional red sangria, with the American oak spice adding depth.
• Kalimotxo: This Spanish bar staple (equal parts red wine and cola over ice) works surprisingly well with the wine's soft tannins and dark fruit sweetness.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want a reliable, food-friendly red without overthinking the pairing
• Introducing Merlot to someone who typically gravitates toward softer reds like Pinot Noir
• Casual gatherings and barbecues that call for a crowd-pleasing, versatile pour
• Building a Washington State wine tasting lineup alongside regional Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cursive Merlot taste like? Cursive Merlot is a fruit-driven red dominated by ripe plum, black cherry, and blueberry, with subtle spice from American oak aging and smooth, approachable tannins throughout.

How does Cursive Merlot compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Merlot? Both wines draw fruit from Columbia Valley, but Cursive sources specifically from the Wahluke Slope and ages exclusively in American oak, which tends to produce a slightly sweeter vanilla character. Chateau Ste. Michelle's Merlot typically uses a mix of French and American oak and often includes small percentages of blending grapes, giving it a more structured, layered profile.

Is Cursive Merlot good for sipping neat? Yes — its soft tannins, generous fruit, and balanced acidity make it an easy wine to enjoy on its own without food, particularly if served just below room temperature.

Where is Cursive Merlot made? Cursive Merlot is produced in Washington State using Merlot grapes from the Wahluke Slope, a sub-AVA of the Columbia Valley known for its warm climate, sandy soils, and consistent growing conditions.

What foods pair well with Cursive Merlot? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's dark fruit and gentle spice. Mushroom risotto echoes its earthy undertones. Roasted chicken thighs with herbs work well with the soft tannin structure. Aged cheddar or Gouda highlights the subtle vanilla from American oak. Tomato-based pasta dishes align with the wine's natural acidity.

What sizes does Cursive Merlot come in? Cursive Merlot is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Cursive Merlot worth the price? Cursive Merlot positions as an entry-level to mid-range Washington Merlot, and its 87-point Wine Enthusiast score for the 2020 vintage suggests it delivers solid quality for its price tier — particularly given the Wahluke Slope sourcing and 100% American oak aging.

Why Cursive Merlot?

Washington State has quietly built one of the strongest reputations for Merlot in the United States, and Cursive draws from one of the Columbia Valley's most reliable sub-appellations. The decision to age entirely in American oak rather than French gives this wine a distinctive vanilla-spice signature that sets it apart from many regional peers. An 87-point rating from Wine Enthusiast on the 2020 vintage confirms that the combination of Wahluke Slope fruit and careful oak treatment delivers measurable quality. For anyone looking to explore Washington Merlot without a steep commitment, this bottle makes a strong case for the region's potential.