Teeter-Totter Merlot Wahluke Slope 2019
Full-bodied red wine · Teeter-Totter Wines
Vintage: 2019
Type
Full-bodied red wine
Producer
Teeter-Totter Wines
Country
United States
Vintage
2019
Region & Appellation
Washington State, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope AVA
Grape Varieties
100% Merlot
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby-purple core with a vibrant magenta rim, showing good viscosity and slow-moving legs that signal ripeness and concentration.
Aroma Profile
Pronounced aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, and blackberry, complemented by secondary notes of vanilla, mocha, and subtle baking spices from oak aging.
Tasting Notes
A rich and plush entry with a velvety mid-palate showcasing dark fruit layers, finishing with a lingering touch of cocoa and fine, polished tannins.
Flavor Profile
Dominated by lush black plum, black raspberry, and cassis, underpinned by notes of sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, and espresso.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a lush, velvety mouthfeel, generous extract, and a smooth, rounded texture that coats the palate.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-plus acidity providing structural freshness to balance the ripe fruit, coupled with ripe, fine-grained tannins that offer a supportive and structured framework.
Sweetness Level
Dry with minimal residual sugar, though the ripe fruit profile imparts a perception of plushness.
Alcohol Content
14.5% ABV
Aging & Oak
Aged in French oak barrels (a mix of new and neutral) for roughly 12 to 18 months, imparting subtle notes of vanilla, toast, and sweet spice without overpowering the fruit.
Food Pairings
Ideal with grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb chops, mushroom risotto, or hard aged cheeses like Gouda and Cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 60-65°F in a large Bordeaux glass. Decant for 30 to 45 minutes to let the aromas open up.
Price Range
$45 - $60 USD
Quality Assessment
Estimated 91-93 points. A well-crafted, premium New World Merlot that punches above its weight class with impressive concentration and balance.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, destemmed, fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with frequent pump-overs, followed by barrel aging in French oak.
Terroir
The Wahluke Slope AVA is characterized by a warm, desert-like climate with consistent sunshine, low rainfall, and sandy loam soils, which produce deeply concentrated, structured red wines.
History & Heritage
Teeter-Totter is a collaborative project that focuses on sourcing from exceptional vineyards to produce accessible yet high-quality wines that reflect their specific AVAs.
Interesting Facts
The prominent 'T' logo on the label stands for Teeter-Totter, capturing attention with its bold, minimalist brushstroke design against a dark background.
Cellaring Potential
Enjoyable upon release, but will gracefully evolve over the next 5 to 8 years if stored in proper cellar conditions.
Similar Wines
Northstar Merlot, L'Ecole No. 41 Merlot, Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot