Thorny Rose 2011 Red Blend Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Country: US / Red Blend
Variety: Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Washington
Winery: Thorny Rose / Columbia Valley (WA)

This is roughly a 50-50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, showing a heavy concentration of vanilla flavor, often the mark of oak alternatives during the fermentation process. Some licorice notes come through, although the fruit is rather thin and herbal—not unexpected at this price.