Estate Grown Paysage Merlot Blend

I'll admit I was concerned. Pretty much nothing but after an hour it's starting to come around. Definitely needed a decant. Still pretty closed both on the nose and palate. Update to come. 2hrs in: structure and character clearly apparent, as is complexity on nose and palate. This will not hit its sweet spot for another few years. The 14.8 abv is apparent but well integrated.

Light lifted floral herb aromatics. You think its mid weight but then the massive body and gravelly tannins announce themselves and give an unexpected muscle to the wine. Fruit bursting at the edges but contained and lurking. One for the cellar or for a BBQ after decanting.

Soft but ripe without being over the top. Hides abv well. Faint savory edge. Juicy dark fruits.

Definitely young and will be able to be aged nicely over the next 7 or more years, a lot of tannin from extended oak aging but not overly oak dominant.

A little light on the finish

This is a Bordeaux blend with mostly merlot in barrel for up to 24 months

Deep, dark, and delicious. A merlot dominant Bordeaux blend with all the grapes save petit verdot. Bright red and black fruit on a backdrop of smokey earthiness, finishing with hints of sweet vanilla. Excellent tonight with grass-fed ribeyes and spuds.

Young. In capital letters. Medium to full bodied. Dusty black licorice over black cherry. The 14.8 is well integrated. The exuberance should calm in a few years and this thing will be a silken delight.

Deep red and black fruits and nice mid palate weight. Definitely needed several hours to open up.

Pops bought a double magnum for our annual family get together in Aptos.