Waterbrook was the 4th bonded winery in Walla Walla, founded in 1984. They produce consistent, affordable wines year after year and advertise their aim as varietal correctness. With this Merlot they succeed up to a point, but it is too lean around the mid section.
Aromas of black cherry, vanilla, a background hint of nutmeg and a bright citrus note make for a pleasant profile.
The palate adds chocolate to the proceedings on a medium frame with powdery tannins. The midpalate is hollow but good acidity gives the wine some freshness on the finish with tart pomegranate notes. A Very linear wine without much energy, it finishes with some tannic breadth and crisp top notes but little midsection to integrate them. If you like restrained, food friendly Merlot with bright acidity, this is your wine but fans of richness will be disappointed.
The cool, brisk, elegance of Bill Evans Witchcraft was a good match for this wine.
Score: 86
Price: $15 (purchase here)
Alc: 13.9%
Exploring the Philosophy of Food and Wine 