Pietra Santa Merlot Cienega Valley 2010

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Cienega Valley

Varietal Merlot

Retail Price $18

ABV 14.5%

Score 4.5 Stars/95 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Beautiful deep ruby to garnet red color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are complex and refined with black cherries and plum in the lead with accents of dry earth, mineral, cedar, bark and cigar box.

Flavor

The palate is true to the nose delivering a complex and subtle fruit attack with a generous dose of earth, forest floor, black pepper, and semi-tart cherries. Ideally proportioned with a generous dose of acid and moderate, dry tannins.

Intensity & Texture

This wine is all about the superb balance. There is plenty here to chew on but the charm is found in its multi layers.

Cool Factor

Sadly it's hard to get people excited about Merlot (what a crime) but this is absolutely text-book quality Merlot and it will surely win over every open-minded Merlot Skeptic.

Value Grade

B+

Whenever you can secure wine this well-made and tasty for under $20 you have to consider it a win.

Analysis

Pietra Santa's winemaker, Alessio Carli is understandably in love with grapes from his home but on my few visits to Pietra Santa I can always find Alessio going on about the quality of the Merlot grown at the estate. After one taste I had to agree, there is something special here. Each year the Merlot has been a consistent performer and I love to pour it for Merlot snobs and watch them swoon.

How to Enjoy

This wine has enough fresh acidity to make it an ideal partner to Italian cusine but I love it with most any dry-cured meats.