Silverado Vineyards, Coombsville (Napa Valley, California) Merlot 2013

Here’s a Merlot that was treated like Merlot should be, in larger format barrels that allow the fruit and herb characters to speak clearly without drowning in spice.  Blackberry, black cherry, mint and dried herb characteristics are integrated nicely, with complementary spice adding complexity without distracting.  This is a great food wine, and it shows the deft hand of Jonathan Emmerich’s stewardship.