Gehringer Brothers Dry Rock Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2013

Best Buy! Brothers Gordon and Walter Gehringer have earned the crown as King of the Platinum when it comes Wine Press Northwest's annual Platinum Judging, and price is not an object in the year-end competition of the region's top wines. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (30%) and Cabernet Franc from their estate vineyard along the Okanagan Valley's Golden Mile Bench is yet another example of their commitment to the consumer. They've never owned a new French oak barrel, but their use of wood here is remarkable with hints of fresh caramel and cocoa powder among black cherry, strawberry, black currant, plum and black pepper aromas. The drink carries a lighter structure with flavors of Van cherry, red currant and pomegranate as pleasing acidity melds with an adequate grip of tannin. Based on the current state of the Canadian dollar, we've placed this in the Best Buy! category for U.S. visitors. Score - Outstanding. (Tasting panel, greatnorthwestwine.com, Jan. 15, 2015)