I love Merlot like this that shows lively herbs on the nose, and then keeps them in check on the palate with huge red fruit and stony minerality. Ripe red cherry, red currant and granite notes tame the bright pepper character, and vibrant acidity carries it all home in lip smacking fashion. I’d go with white meat here — turkey or chicken with herb butter rubbed under the skin and roasted would be a fine match. The Best of Monterey County, the Best Merlot, and a Platinum Award winner at the 2015 Monterey International Wine Competition.
Scheid Vineyards, Monterey (California) Merlot 2011
By Rich Cook