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Merlot, Desnudos Vineyard

Merlot, Desnudos Vineyard Wine Details
Price: $24.00 per bottle

Description: This winery exclusive Merlot is grown on the Desnudos Vineyard, 700 feet up the slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains. Aromas of dried tobacco, cedar and sweet vanilla are followed by pretty black cherry, raspberry and brambly blackberry flavors. This medium bodied wine has a silky, round mouthfeel and firm tannin structure that make it approachable and food friendly now, with the ability to age gracefully.

Varietal Definition
Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.


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