Desert Wind’s 93–94 Point Reds: Wahluke Slope Power, Precision, and Personality

Reverse Wine Snob just dropped (and sold out) an Insider Deal on a trio of Desert Wind Winery estate reds from Washington’s Wahluke Slope. Even if you missed the checkout window, the takeaway is clear: these bottlings are a reminder that Washington can turn supporting-cast grapes into headliners—and polish Merlot into something you actually crave, not just tolerate at the wedding bar.

The lineup: a 94+ point Heritage Series Merlot (2019), plus two 93-point charmers—Carménère (2019) and Petit Verdot (2019)—all estate-grown and aged 19 months in neutral French oak. Production was tiny (125–325 cases), which explains the quick sellout and the buzz. As Reverse Wine Snob put it, the Petit Verdot is “Deep, juicy and structured” —Reverse Wine Snob. And the Merlot? “a beautiful, smooth, juicy, dusty example” —Reverse Wine Snob.

Style Snapshot

• Region/Appellation: Wahluke Slope AVA, Washington
• Grapes: Merlot (Heritage Series), Carménère (with Syrah/Merlot/Malbec/Cabernet), Petit Verdot (with Syrah/Carménère/Cabernet)
• Body/Texture: Dry, medium-plus to full; plush fruit with well-shaped tannins
• Oak: 19 months in neutral French oak (focus stays on fruit and structure)
• General Vibe: Estate precision meets ripe Washington warmth—clean lines, balanced spice, and just enough grip to make steak knives nervous

Context: Wahluke Slope + Varietal Personality

Wahluke Slope is one of Washington’s warmer AVAs—a south-facing, rocky, well-drained pocket that consistently ripens red varieties while preserving acidity. That combo gives you bright, juicy fruit that doesn’t collapse into jam. Desert Wind’s estate vineyard leans into this: concentrated color, confident tannins, and fruit that reads fresh rather than syrupy.

“very long and grippy on the satisfying finish

Merlot in Washington typically shows more structure than the soft focus you might associate with California. The Heritage Series Merlot (2019) is described as smooth and dusty—two clues you’ll get plum and cherry fruit with savory edges, not a cocktail glass of sweetness. Neutral oak aging lets those Wahluke bones show without vanilla frosting.

Carménère, while famous for Chile and originally from Bordeaux, is a rarer sight in the U.S. This one leans into the variety’s hallmark green notes—think bell pepper and herbal lift—wrapped around dark-red fruit. The source notes call out pepper tones and spice, which is exactly what fans want: variety character, not a generic red. If you’re Carménère-curious, this is textbook without being austere.

Petit Verdot is usually the blending ninja in Bordeaux, offering color and tannin. Solo bottlings can be stern, but Washington warmth helps round the edges. The Desert Wind 2019 reads ripe and structured, with that satisfying grip Reverse Wine Snob mentioned: “very long and grippy on the satisfying finish” —Reverse Wine Snob. It’s the kind of PV that makes you reconsider why it doesn’t go solo more often.

How to think about the trio

These wines are united by estate intent and neutral oak. Translation: you’re tasting site and variety, not a woodshop. The scores (94+ for Merlot, 93 for Carménère, 93 for Petit Verdot) are a good sign of consistency across the lineup. If you find these bottles at the winery or a savvy retailer, expect a cohesive style—clean fruit, savory details, and structure that rewards decanting and a proper meal.

Buying and cellaring signals

All three wines are 2019s with the kind of tannin-acid balance that can age. The source recommends decanting the Petit Verdot; that tracks. If you’re cellaring, I’d slot the PV for mid-term (5–10 years), Carménère for earlier enjoyment (but it’ll hold), and Merlot in the flexible zone—you’ll get pleasure now and polish with time.

Best occasion + pairing direction

Best occasion: A winter dinner where conversation turns to “Wait, Carménère from Washington?” and you’re quietly smug about knowing the Wahluke Slope.

Best pairing direction: Keep it savory. For Merlot, think roasted mushrooms and lean cuts; for Carménère, go herb-crusted or pepper-friendly dishes; for Petit Verdot, anything grilled with a char line—steak, lamb, or smoked veggies. All dry, all structured, all happier with protein and umami.

Bottom line

If you missed the Insider Deal, don’t sweat it—consider it a compass. Desert Wind’s estate reds show Washington’s knack for ripeness without flab and variety character without noise. Seek them out on the winery’s site or at smart retailers, and remember: neutral oak isn’t boring; it’s confidence.

Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/insider-deal-desert-wind-winery-reds/