BARNARD GRIFFIN | MERLOT

Washington's most dependable Merlot house since 1983, plum, dark berry, and toasty oak.

Barnard Griffin has been making Merlot from Washington's Columbia Valley since 1983, establishing itself as one of the Pacific Northwest's most consistent and trusted producers. Founders Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard built the winery on the conviction that Washington State's high desert growing conditions, extreme diurnal temperature swings, volcanic and sandy soils, and abundant sunshine, make it one of the world's great sites for Merlot.

This Merlot delivers the clean, generous character that defines Washington's approach to the grape: ripe plum and dark cherry on the nose, with warm notes of baking spice, toasty oak, and a hint of cocoa on the smooth, medium-full palate. The tannins are softer and more approachable than a Napa Cab, making this a versatile food wine that pairs especially well with roasted poultry, pork tenderloin, and pasta dishes.

Rated 90 points by Wine Spectator (2022 vintage).

Four decades of Washington Merlot expertise in every bottle. A reliable choice for a gift, a dinner party, or a Tuesday.

Product Details

Varietal: Merlot
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Barnard Griffin Winery
Country: United States
Region / AVA: Columbia Valley, Washington
Winemaker: Rob Griffin
Soil: Volcanic and sandy Columbia Valley soils
Farming: Sustainable Washington State viticulture
Aging: Oak aged

Meet The Maker

Barnard Griffin was founded in 1983 by Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard in Richland, Washington, a pioneer partnership that helped define what Washington Merlot could be. Rob Griffin arrived in Washington in the late 1970s with a degree from UC Davis and a belief that the Columbia Valley was capable of world-class wine. Over four decades, he has proven that conviction repeatedly, earning recognition from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast while keeping prices honest. Barnard Griffin remains one of the Pacific Northwest's most trusted family wineries.

Quick Facts

Washington's most dependable Merlot house since 1983. Plum, dark berry, and toasty oak.

• Best For: A dinner party red, a versatile pairing wine, or a gift for the person who likes Merlot done right
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied Washington Merlot
• Tasting Notes: Ripe plum, dark cherry, and baking spice with toasty oak and a smooth, approachable finish
• Body: Medium-full, smooth, and food-friendly
• Rating: 90 Points, Wine Spectator
• Fermentation: Oak aged
• Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
• Grape: Merlot
• Alcohol: 13.8
• Serve Temperature: 62-65°F
• Recognitions: Over 40 years of award-winning Washington winemaking
• Pairs well with:
  Pork Tenderloin, Roast Duck, Pasta with Bolognese, Grilled Portobello, Brie

Merlot's reputation took a hit in the early 2000s. Barnard Griffin never noticed.

Shipping Restrictions

WINE SHIPS ONLY TO THE FOLLOWING STATES: California, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming.

A 21+ signature is required upon delivery.

Orders of 4 bottles or more: Please expect to confirm availability of an adult on premises to sign for your order. We will not ship without email or phone confirmation.