Peju Province Winery, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2014

 This convincing Merlot succeeds on the strength of medium-bodied fruit with open, delicious berry flavors and a judicious touch of oak that lends layers of spice and faint smoke.  Especially admirable is a savory character that is as prominent as the fruitiness in the wine’s mid-palate and finish.  Soft enough to sip with pleasure on its own, this will also pair nicely with all sorts of moderately robust fare.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2018 San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge.