One of my favorite of all grape varietals produced in Washington State is Merlot. Yes, Merlot! The grape that was put down in the movie Sideways is still a wonderful glass of wine when made properly.

Winemakers Bill Owen and Rob Sullivan from O.S. Winery (Owen Sullivan) have released a wine called "The Tusk," named in honor of the Elephant Mountain Vineyard where the grapes (100% Merlot) are harvested in Yakima Valley, Washington. The 2009 The Tusk Merlot was awarded 92 points by Wine Advocate Magazine. It retails at the time of this writing for $48.99--in my opinion, a bargain (it compares more than favorably to pricier California Merlots).

I would say after sampling this wine, that in the fictious book "How To Make The Perfect Merlot For Dummies" this wine should be the role model for all Merlot producers. The wine exhibits amazing aromatics of red and black fruits and graphite and on the palate it is exactly what a "textbook" new world Merlot should taste like. Spicy cherry and plum fruits with a dash of sandalwood flavors and a very persistent lengthy finish. In plain English, it is delicious and way too easy to drink. Taste what Washington State does best. The 2009 Owen Sullivan The Tusk Merlot is an elephant you will never forget!

Guest blogger Larry Baker is the wine consultant at our Pembroke Pines store. Just ask for "the wine guy."