Gloria's Gem Bennett Valley Merlot

Bevan fan here. This isn’t my favorite wine he has produced but it is a pleasant drinking Merlot.

Generally not a Merlot fan but a huge fan of Russell’s Merlot from Showket. This is a good alternate.

At home eating leftovers tonight enjoying this surprise. I bought 6 bottles based on Russell Bevan being the winemaker. My experience with the first few bottles was disappointing, but tonight was special. I wish I could understand these differences; bottle variation???...dumb phase???...I just don’t know.

I’m generally not a Merlot drinker as a varietal but I also have fond memories of the 2008 Bevan Cellars Showket Vineyard Merlot...a wonderful wine.

Nice for a merlot but a bit disappointing for Bevan, maybe I'm expecting too much for the price point? I guess I was hoping for some of the wonderful Showket Merlot that Bevan did years ago.

Dark cherry color in the glass with ruby undertones. Unexpected earthiness on the nose with forest floor, plenty of cedar, fresh cut flowers, and bright, bright cherries. I’m all about some Bevan wine and this label really is just as good as you would hope it is. Absolutely terrific structure with wonderful balance and firm tannins, which requires some time to breathe. Freshly smoked tobacco, ripe cherries, bright strawberries, and damn earth happening here. Nice long finish with just the right amount of pepper. This is just a baby and can stand to be put away for a few more years but it’s so good right now.

Nice structure. Wish I had the patience to see this in a few years