Proprietor/winemaker Jim Tondelli is starting to make some waves in northern San Diego county with wines like this food friendly Merlot. This is a dry style merlot, with cherry, blueberry and fall spice notes delivered with good acid balance and a firm grip that makes the finish a bit tight when tasting it on its own. No worries, a pairing with lamb or veal will open that up. I’m excited to see what else Tondelli has up his sleeve.
Tuscandido Winery, South Coast (California) Merlot 2013
By Rich Cook