Difference between Merlot and Cabernet; both from Waterbrook ReserveÂ
Washington Wines have always been among my favorites. Waterbrook has also been one of my fondest vineyards from Washington wine country. I have long been a Waterbrook lover and have some older vintages in my cellar. The other night over a nice steak dinner, I noticed that I had, on hand, a bottle of both Merlot and Cabernet from Waterbrook. I decided to open both the Waterbrook 2006 Reserve Merlot and the Waterbrook 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
It was time to review “Merlot vs. Cabernet”
I wanted to try both red wines as I was interested in a couple of things:
- First of all, I was interested in the reserve bottling of both the Merlot and the Cabernet wines. Were they decidedly on a reserve level?Â
- I also wanted to try the Waterbrook Cabernet against what I assume was their signature Washington wine varietal, Merlot.
- I also wanted to see if I could identify similarities between the two wines since they were both from the same Washington soils. Same winery, same winemaker, same vintage; there should be some aspects in common.Â
Washington Wine #1: Waterbrook 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cabernet was first. My first impression was that it was a good red wine, but not special. The first taste seemed a touch bitter and the tannins a bit hard. But this wine improved from that point on. Big cherries combined with undertones of tobacco and leather. The finish was long and complex. Even after tasting the Merlot, I went back and confirmed my first impressions. Taste a little off, but wine improves in the glass and on the finish.
Waterbrook 2006 Reserve Merlot
The Merlot was next up. My initial opinion was that this was a better wine. Make no mistake, this was the same winery. You knew they were siblings of sorts.  You knew they were related. The Merlot fruit was solid, but was not a layered as the Cabernet. Same hints of cherries. The finish was creamy and smooth.
Merlot vs. Cabernet “taste-off” was a draw.
The Cabernet Sauvignon was more complex and has a more layered finish, although it started off with a bitter taste. The Merlot was easily more accessible and drinkable, but a little simpler. Both were enjoyable, both a touch better that the regular bottling and not really at a whopper reserve level. These wines cold be cellared for a bit, but there is nothing wrong with having one of these Washington Wines at dinner, tonight! 
