Itä Wines · Merlot · Walla Walla Valley, Washington · 2022
The Moment
This is Merlot with a pulse.
Bright, energetic, and quietly expressive — the kind of bottle you open when you want freshness without sacrificing depth. It’s a red that works just as well slightly chilled as it does at the table, especially when food, conversation, and a second glass are all part of the plan.
What It Feels Like
The nose opens with sour cherry, cranberry, and blood orange peel, layered with pine needle, mint, and dried herbs. There’s a cool, herbal lift that keeps things lively and grounded.
On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and vibrant, driven by high natural acidity. Flavors of cranberry relish, pomegranate, hibiscus, and citrus-laced white tea move cleanly across the tongue. The tannins are silky and refined, giving the wine structure without weight.
The finish is fresh, crunchy, and persistent — savory, lightly herbal, and immediately inviting another sip.
Why We Love This Bottle
Because it rewrites expectations of Merlot.
This is not plush or heavy — it’s alive, precise, and built for the table. High-elevation fruit, thoughtful restraint, and a style that makes Merlot feel modern again. It’s the kind of wine that converts skeptics and rewards curiosity.
Pair It With
From the shop
- Olive tapenade or marinated vegetables — acidity meets savory herbs
- Mixed nuts or Marcona almonds — texture + balance
- Soft cheese spreads — smooths the edges without muting freshness
At the table
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Mushroom dishes or lentils
- Pork chops, herbed sausages, or weeknight comfort food
This is a food wine first — flexible, forgiving, and quietly versatile.
Category Style
Earthy & Silky
(Bright structure, lifted acidity, fine tannins, food-first energy)
2022 Kiona Vineyards Malbec Red Mountain, Washington
The Moment
This is the bottle you open when you want something deep, grounding, and generous — a Red Mountain red that brings dark fruit, structure, and warmth without feeling heavy or overworked.
It’s a sit-down wine. A food wine. A “pour one more glass” kind of bottle.
What It Feels Like
The nose opens with brambly berries, black cherry, and plum, followed by blueberry pie, cocoa, and warm baking spice. As it opens, you’ll notice a distinctly Red Mountain edge — graphite, crushed rock, and a touch of smoke.
On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied, with layers of blackberry, black plum, and dark cherry. The tannins are present but polished, giving the wine shape and grip without drying it out. Lively acidity keeps everything balanced through a long, savory finish.
Why We Love This Bottle
Because it shows power and restraint. This is Malbec with place — dark fruit, mineral backbone, and structure that makes food taste better instead of stealing the spotlight.
The Details
- Producer: Kiona Vineyards & Winery
- Vintage: 2022
- Region: Red Mountain AVA, Washington
- Blend:
- 86% Malbec
- 11% Carmenère
- 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Style: Dry, full-bodied
- Structure: Fine tannins, lifted acidity
What It Pairs With
From the shop:
- Marcona Almonds or Mixed Nuts — soften the tannins and highlight the fruit
- Cabernet Sauvignon Cheese Spread — echoes the wine’s dark fruit and spice
- Olive Tapenade — brings out the savory, mineral side
At the table:
- Grilled steak or lamb
- Braised beef or short ribs
- Mushroom-forward dishes
- Aged, firm cheeses
How to Enjoy
Serve just below room temperature. This wine opens up nicely with a little air — no rush, no rules.
West Seattle Wine Cellars 