At one time, believe it or not, there was a merlot craze and Matanzas Creek was near the head of the pack of producers who gave this important Bordeaux grape variety in a world dominated by cabernet sauvignon. That ship sailed long ago, but Matanzas continues to treat merlot with respect and typically makes one of the best in California. The 2013 exhibits richness and intensity, with juicy red and black fruits and hints of wood spice, and enough grip on the finish to suggest this one’s good for another seven to 10 years in a proper cellar.
Matanzas Creek, Sonoma County (California) Merlot 2013
By Robert Whitley