Famed winemaker Nick Goldschmidt uses his daughter’s name on this bottle — it’s the result of winemaking lessons with Chelsea, and I’d give this one an A- for depth of flavor, varietal character, judicious use of oak, good structure and a long dark finish. It’s priced as a value leader, and it succeeds with style. I wonder what the next lesson has in store for us!
Chelsea Goldschmidt, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) Merlot 2013
By Rich Cook