The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Paicines

Varietal   Merlot

Retail Price   $25

ABV   13.8%

Score   4 Stars/91 points

In the Glass

Deep, dark garnet red color with hints of ruby.

Dense, ripe red and black cherries take the lead with a generous dose of brown baking spices in support.

The palate echoes the nose with tart cherries supporting the ripe fruit, notes of wet earth, mineral, toasted oak. and hints of black pepper.

This is a big and bold wine with great balance as well offering a bright dose of acidity and soft tannins.

Cool Factor

Is there still anyone who turns their nose up at Merlot? Let's hope that we got past that silliness. This wine offers great winemaking, supple flavors, and pure pleasure making it cool in our world.

Value Grade

At $25this won't meet the value criteria of many wine buyers but when you consider the quality to price ratio and the pleasure found within this bottle it's a good buy.

Analysis

The majority Merlot is supported by: 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot offering layers of complex flavors. It is aged for 19 months; 31% New French Oak, 3% New American Oak, and 66% Neutral Oak.

How to Enjoy

This is a lovely food wine seeking to be paired with a Sunday roast or complex stew.