Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
2009 Watermill Winery Merlot
By Kori ~ January 22nd, 2014.
Watermill Winery is located in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, in the heart of the Walla Walla Valley AVA just 10 miles from downtown Walla Walla, Washington. The Brown family, a third generation apple-growing family and the owners of Blue Mountain Cider, founded Watermill in 2005. Rich Funk of Saviah Cellars initially oversaw the winemaking operations until Andrew Brown took over as winemaker in 2007.
Before launching their own winery, grapes grown by the Brown family were used for other prestigious wines from Northstar Winery, Seven Hills Winery, and Saviah Cellars. The Brown family owns some prized land in an area called “The Rocks” by the locals.
Recently, we had the opportunity to taste their 2009 Merlot in a blind samples tasting. This is the second time we’ve had this wine. It is coming into its own now and is better than it was upon release. In addition to being an excellent wine, it also delivers serious bang for your buck.
Not only do the Browns produce great fruit and great wines, but they are also some of the nicest people we’ve had the pleasure to meet. If you are in the Walla Walla Valley, be sure to stop by Watermill Winery for a truly memorable visit.
2009 Watermill Winery Merlot (Walla Walla Valley): 100% Merlot. Dark, dense purple in color. Aromatic with black plum, cinnamon, and a touch of earth on both the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, and medium to high tannins. Well-balanced with a long, smooth finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $24
Filed under: American Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Merlot, Oregon Wine, Red Wine, Washington State Wine, Wines Under $25
