By way of background: Washington State has become increasingly more well-regarded for merlot and cabernet sauvignon varietals. Here is one that is in the value priced category. Initial review : This is Abby Road Merlot, Washington State, 2009, finished at 13.5% alcohol. A Barclay's Wine selection, this is built from a blend of 79% Merlot, 9% Sangiovese, 5% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Lemberger.
In the glass: Abby Road Merlot shows a deep ruby red, not quite opaque anywhere in the glass.
On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows a sweet and simple merlot purple nose, with just a touch of oak. From the aroma, seems like this will be straightforward, sweet and pleasant, without challenge, but potentially without much character.
On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact rich and layered on the sweet mid-palate, bringing the expected plums, but in a seductive velvet cloak, with some cinnamon and milk chocolate overtones.
In summary: Overall, a very friendly offering, rating three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.
Following long decant, two days kept cool in partially-filled bottle: The nose is still poignant, but more balanced now. More mineral and less velvet on the palate now, rich and balanced.
Updated review, over a year later, June, 2012: Deep purple and magenta. Inky purple fruit on the nose. The plum palate seems brighter now, still showing some definite spice.
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