Cupcake Vineyards, Central Coast (California) Merlot 2014

In my former home town of Chicago, one of the best ways to start a fight would be to lead with, “Hey, Cupcake!”  However, this is a wine that won’t raise anyone’s hackles — provided that the taster heads in with an open mind.  It is sweet, but in a fruity rather than sugary way, and soft, but not in a formless way, as there’s enough acidity to provide some freshness and just enough tannin to provide some grip in the finish.  Platinum Award winner at the 2017 San Diego Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.