There are only 300 cases of the 2006 Merlot Reserve Block 8 sourced entirely from the Four Feathers Vineyard in Yakima Valley. It was aged in a mix of new and seasoned French oak for 18 months. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up a sexy bouquet of wild red berries, spice box, rose petals, black currant, black cherry, and red licorice. Medium-bodied and already exhibiting some complexity, this intensely flavored, spicy, structured effort will evolve for 4-6 years and provide a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2026. Columbia Crest, owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, has long been known for the quality of its value-priced wines. The current collection will only enhance the winery’s reputation. Columbia Crest is usually thought of as a producer of value-priced wines selling for under $20. However, their upper-level, limited-production wines merit serious attention as they, too, are value-priced compared to the competitionTel. (509) 875-2061; www.columbia-crest.com