Powers Merlot

[Innkeeper]

1997 Powers, Columbia Valley, Merlot ($15.00 Is-Wine). Very nice surprise. Blindfolded would have guessed it Old World, even perhaps a Collio. Big and brash as well as soft and supple, with that telltale hint of earthiness. Jammy blackberry aroma for nose and mouth. Full and rich mouthfeel with both power (a little play on words there) and smoothness across the palate. Very long finish. Matched perfectly with grillpanned porterhouse steak, left it along with the salad, and finished it with leftover dark chocolate Halloween candy.