Turnbull, Oakville, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2016

 It’s been 16 years since Paul Giamatti famously threw a temper tantrum in Sideways playing Miles Raymond and decimated sales of the once-popular Merlot.  Fortunately, pop culture fades, and sales of Merlot are on the rise.  Why?  Because its inviting dark fruit and velvety tannins are hard to resist.  So, of course, I’m drinking some [expletive] Merlot!  I’m starting the comeback with Turnbull’s 2016 Fortuna 100% Merlot.  It’s a plush wine with densely packed flavors of black cherry, elderberry, blackcurrant, and dried herb.  This well-structured Merlot grabs and holds your attention with its supple texture and epically long finish.  It is drinking beautifully now, but there is no need to rush as this will go a long way.