($22): The Canoe Ridge Estate, located in eastern Washington and planted in 1991, rests on a steep slope overlooking the Columbia Valley.  While the vines are not ‘old,’ they have certainly settled in and account for some of the character found in this wine.  The wine’s dark fruit character and supple tannins are nicely complemented by a bit of earth and spice, especially in the finish.  It has the lushness people expect from Merlot, with more complexity than usual. 88 Michael Apstein Jul 15, 2008