Adam LaZarre’s continued commitment to Merlot is based on love, and it shows in this bottle that might just be designed to woo you out of your misplaced disdain for the variety. Sourced from Santa Margarita Ranch in the southern reaches of Paso Robles, it’s a mix of plush cherry and berry fruit, structured tannins, layered oak spice and some baker’s chocolate. It’s great now, and will continue to integrate and deepen with some cellar time. Don’t fret about that though — I bet he’ll make a few more vintages.
LaZarre Wines, Paso Robles (Central Coast, California) Merlot 2016
By Rich Cook