Merlot California

Decanted for an hour. Softens out the bell peppery earthy edges and smoothly integrates them into the berry flavors. A nice take on a Bordeaux style bottle, especially given the heated Temecula climate. Drank on Italian night, served with spicy pasta pancetta followed by a plate of fresh red raspberries and fromage: fontina, Asiago, provolone and Parmesan. The fruit and berries were perfect accompaniments.
Juicy earthy raspberries emerge centerstage on the palate as the wine opens. A spicy finish with cinnamon, date and clove evolves as well.
I now smell intense milk chocolate-covered raspberries and red apple skin. Two hours in, paired fresh raspberries are received like gifted desserts in pairing with cognac-hinted notes in the cedar-box berried wine. Loving this more and more with aeration—-love!
This wine continues to evolve and delight enjoy across the entire evening, as with every wine produced from this vintner. Phenomenal for the pricepoint.

Licorice sage nose. Vanilla baked cherry mouth.