Casta de Vinos, Guadalupe Valley (Baja California, Mexico) Merlot 2018

 This release is from a new, family owned winery where the owner, Sergio Castañeda, is also the winemaker.  “Casta” means pure and well bred, and the “Domina” name adds a feminine take on this 100% Merlot.  It was aged 14 months in neutral oak, and despite being grown in a dry region, this Merlot comes across with finesse and youthful charm.  The aroma shows a light herbal, black tea and spicy side along with black fruit.  On the palate, it is medium bodied with flavors of blackberries with hints of cocoa and oak.  The tannins remain in the background and the finish is long and youthful.  It could benefit from a few years of bottle aging, but this is impressive stuff.