$27.00
Organically grown and farmed vineyards where sheep roam in the winter months. The vineyards have been organically farmed since 1987.
He says: 89
Licorice and herb on the nose. Silky opulent garnet color fills the glass with legs made for dancing! Very approachable wine with notes of tobacco, leather and plum are present with a shorter than expected finish. Extra notes – Decanted and drank 10 minutes later… the finish lasted longer the more than wine aired. The next time I would decant at least an hour before enjoying.
She says: 91
I am a huge red wine fan but interestingly enough, at least in the past year or so, I have not been choosing Merlot when given the choice. Maybe it’s an unconscious mental swerve, maybe I drank a bad one, maybe I’m full of Merlot. And then, Bonterra.
In 2016, Bonterra Vineyards produced a Merlot that, in my humble and novice opinion, does not taste like a typical Merlot. But first…
When initially poured, you will note thick, medium-paced legs and a deep velvet appearance, that is clean and crisp and clear of sediment or cloudiness. While decanting, scents of cherry tart, tobacco, mild smoke and licorice were abundant and pleasant. On the palate, I noted flavors of smoke and steel, chocolate and pomegranate, tart cherries and licorice to finish. Every flavor came through in a light and pleasant way, no one flavor overpowered the pour.
Some of you may be reading this and saying, “Yeah, you’ve just described a Merlot”, and with you, I would normally agree. But…the flavors of this wine are incredibly light and linger only briefly, unlike what I have experienced with other, more traditional Merlots. Translation, I could enjoy this bottle without the heavy, sleepy feel I might usually get from sipping a traditional Merlot, which allows more free space in the belly for great pairing opportunities with pastas and flatbreads.
