The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Sonoma Valley

Varietal   Merlot

Retail Price   $35

ABV   14.7%

Score   4 Stars/91 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, dark ruby color.

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, violet, and plum with supporting notes of blackberry, five spice, and tapenade.

The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of crushed berries and earth. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins.

Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture.

Cool Factor

If there are still any Merlot snobs out there please get over it — and over yourself. Merlot when done well (like this one) is complex and inviting, ready to win converts whenever poured.

Value Grade

This is a tasty and complex Merlot but at $35 a bottle it has some pretty stiff competition in the marketplace.

Analysis

Made with a blend of 89% Merlot with 5% Petite Verdot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec, and 1% Cabernet Franc. The fruit is sourced from Gundlach Bundschu's 158 year-old vineyard in the Sonoma Valley just eight miles from the San Pablo Bay. The vineyards are on steep slopes with rocky soils that see steady maritime breezes. After fermentation the wine spends 17 months in French oak — 40% new.

How to Enjoy

The supple texture in this wine needs nothing but a glass while the deep flavors will pair well with pot roast or sautéed duck breast.