California’s Central Coast benefits from cool coastal influences that play right into the hands of Merlot growers. Merlot loves cool evenings, which allow the grapes to recover from the daytime heat, retaining freshness and acidity. Wild Horse makes the most of it with a lovely Merlot from the 2015 vintage. This wines shows ripe plum and dark cherry fruit, with a note of wood spice and balanced tannins.