Why No Love for Merlot?

If you ever watched the movie "Sideways," you know the main character loved wine but hated Merlot. "Sideways" was so influential that Merlot sales dropped around the world — an entire grape punished because of one fictional character's bad attitude. But here’s the truth: Merlot is great. It’s one of the noble grapes of Bordeaux, capable of plush fruit, structure, elegance, and everything in between. And here in Washington, Columbia Valley makes some excellent Merlot — balanced, expressive, and absolutely worthy of a spotlight. So let’s give Merlot the love it deserves.

This dinner for 6 will explore 3 different styles of Merlot to show how versatile and delicious Merlot is. To warm up our palates, we’ll start with one white from the Rhône. The advance cost per person to share 4 wine bottles + corkage/tax/tip = $40 per person. *This does not include the cost of whatever you choose for dinner.*

We'll be meeting at Castilla in Bellevue. This Spanish restaurant is an easy walk from the 2 Line and has a large menu of tapas, many of which will go well with Merlot. Everyone will pick what they want for dinner, or if everyone wants tapas we can discuss sharing and splitting the bill. Here is their menu: https://www.castillarestaurant.com/menus/

How the evening works

• I bring the wines and provide tasting notes (see below).
• Wine + corkage is paid upfront to reserve your seat; everyone pays for their meal+tax+tip at the restaurant.
• We taste, talk, eat, and enjoy a relaxed dinner with people who appreciate good bottles without taking themselves too seriously.

Expectations

• Everyone should be prepared to order 2 food items.
• No perfume or cologne please. Strong scents interfere with wine aromas & tasting.
• No‑flake policy. Once you reserve, please treat that as a commitment. Wine refunds are only given if someone takes your spot.
• No drinking and driving. Please plan transportation accordingly.

Optional homework
If you sign up for the dinner, try to watch "Sideways" beforehand. Of course this is just a suggestion, but it makes the Merlot redemption journey a lot more fun. If you’ve ever wondered why Merlot got such a bad rap in that film — or if you already know it’s fantastic and want to taste it with a fun, wine‑curious group — this dinner is for you.

The Wines*
1) 2024 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc - ABV 14%, $21
A bright, aromatic Rhône white led by Viognier, offering peach, apricot, honeysuckle, and a clean mineral snap. This full-bodied wine wakes up the palate without competing with the reds, giving the lineup a fresh, elegant lift before the Merlot flight begins. This is one of my favorite French whites, and it surprises people because many associate the Rhône with only reds.
2) 2022 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot, WA - ABV 14.5%, $14
A smooth, easygoing Washington Merlot with red and black cherry, soft tannins, and a touch of vanilla. It’s the friendly opener of the red flight — bright, approachable, and instantly drinkable. It pairs beautifully with filet or sirloin, where you want flavor without heaviness.
3) 2022 Château Coudert Saint‑Émilion Grand Cru - ABV 15.5%, $37
Another 2022, this is a classic Right Bank blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, offering plush plum fruit lifted by herbal freshness. Ironically, this wine carries the same Right Bank spirit as the 1961 Cheval Blanc Miles drinks in "Sideways" — not that legendary bottle, of course, but made from the same grapes and very much in the same style. It’s elegant, structured, and quietly expressive.
4) 2019 Augusta Bargilli Merlot, Friuli Colli Orientali DOC - ABV 14%, $43
A Northern Italian Merlot with red fruit, herbs, and a clean mineral line, showing more structure and refinement than the Washington wine but staying fresher and lighter than a heavy Bordeaux. Friuli gives Merlot a cool‑climate snap, making this a beautifully composed finish to the flight. It shines with steak or lamb, where you want depth without weight.

*purchase price with tax and not including the cost of corkage/tax/tip