It’s not terribly often that I get to describe a domestic Merlot as a massive wine. There is no way around this one — J. Lohr’s new foray into vineyard designated Merlot is a gentle giant. Featuring an Italian clone called Rauscedo 3, it’s more than generous with the red fruit and spice, and dashes of lead pencil and tea carry it all through a bursting finish. It has some heat, but it’s very well managed. I would go straight to the cheese course with it.
J. Lohr, El Pomar District, Paso Robles (Central Coast, California) Merlot 2018
By Rich Cook