A solid, structured Merlot from winemaker Christophe Paubert. Aromas of cherry, red currant, blackberry and mild notes of spice and toffee are delivered seamlessly on the palate, with balanced tannins and acidity and a long finish with a light hint of sweet oak. Slip this one in on your Merlot-bashing friends and see if it doesn’t change their minds. Contains 3% Malbec, 3% Petite Sirah and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Stags’ Leap Winery, Napa County (California) Merlot 2010
By Rich Cook