2016 Merlot

Right away this Merlot pops out at you with red currant, cocoa powder, lilac, lovage and lemon zest. In the background is the smell of hickory wood chips soaking and waiting to go on the smoker to finish off the brisket that has been going since 5am. Needless to say, it makes your mouth water.

The 2016 vintage is a bit brighter and with slightly more tannin than past Otis Kenyon Merlots, but a touch of strawberry and cola make sure it still has that velvet-smooth mouthfeel we all love. The added structure makes it an even more extraordinary food wine that would pair well with whatever you are pulling off the BBQ. But I think would be perfect with a mustard & herb rubbed roasted pork tenderloin, just perfectly pink in the middle. Throw on a side of grilled Walla Walla Sweet onions and a salad with chèvre & hazelnuts, and you will be set.

90 points with Wine Spectator and James Suckling!