Boldly spicy on the nose, there is a deeply earthy edge to this Merlot as it starts to open up in the glass. It’s a full-bodied wine brimming with ripe boysenberries and brambles, along with cracked black pepper and a noticeable dash of alcohol. The medium finish is sinewy with grippy tannins while the acidity is rather relaxed. This is a wine for old school, Old World wine lovers. Drink now–2019.

— Published (8/16/2018)