Efeste Upright Merlot

I thoroughly enjoyed how this Merlot reminded me of summers spent hiking with my family in Central Oregon. Freshly picked Himalayan blackberries and juniper aromas meld seamlessly with the sweet floral scent of high desert wildflowers. Flavors of sweet blueberries and pork fat cruise along a slick, smooth texture.

"Upright" is an overt affront to the movie “ Sideways " which had a negative effect on much of the U.S. Merlot industry. EFESTĒ’s Upright challenges consumers to enjoy a Merlot-branded Merlot. The fruit is sourced from Red Mountain, a top AVA in Washington known for making dense, complex, and powerful fruit. This Merlot is no exception. Big black fruit, anise, and perfumy violet floral notes blend together for a truly enjoyable experience. This wine needs some air if you’re opening it anytime soon, but the balance and depth of flavors suggest that this wine will develop nicely in a cellar. For those that have seen the movie, Paul Giamatti wouldn’t drink the Merlot because he couldn’t bear the memories of enjoying amazing Merlots with his wife. That explanation, unfortunately, was cut. Fortunately for us, this Merlot was certainly memorable. (Vince Simmon)

Aromas of seaweed, dried tobacco, cherry and herbs are followed by tacky feeling currant flavors. The freshness is impressive, but it lacks cohesion. Perhaps time will bring it. Sean P. Sullivan

The ‘Upright’ Merlot was sourced from the ‘Taylor Mag Vineyard’ on Red Mountain. Once on the nose this takes on ripe red cherry cordial, woven together with creosote, coffee grounds and shades of milk chocolate that all take shape in the glass. The palate is dense and chewy with gorgeous red and dark fruits with dark chocolate shavings, mocha and creosote tones. Delicious to savor right now in its glorious youth, this beautiful Merlot has at least another decade ahead of it.

Aromas of dried herb, dark cherry, black raspberry and barrel spice are at the fore on this 100% varietal wine. They lead to sleek cherry and cranberry flavors that provide intrigue.

Aromas of savory herbs, mineral, exotic spice and red fruit are followed by fruit flavors that are surprisingly restrained considering the warmth of the vintage. Tart acidity livens it up. It's green for the variety but still brings enjoyment.

Reticent herb, mineral, barrel spice and red-apple aromas are followed by concentrated fruit flavors. The tannins this vineyard is often known for are kept well in check.

Thisvarietal wine offers notes of plum, coffee, herbs and woodspice. Coffee and cherry flavors are surrounded by lightly chalky tannins that will benefit from time in the cellar.

This is the first vintage for Upright—Klipsun Vineyard andvarietal Merlot. Thick and syrupy, it's a full throttle wine, with deep flavors of berry, cherry and cassis. Red licorice lightly streaks through the back end, and the wine makes a smooth landing on a strip of Bourbon barrel notes.