2019 Merlot

This may be the darkest, inkiest Merlot we have ever made. The 2019 vintage is bringing in all the darkness from the color to the aromas of fresh tobacco, roasted tomatoes, clove, and blackberry cobbler. There is even a touch of those beef brisket burnt ends I love so much. All these heavy scents are balanced with fresh oregano, mineral, muscovado, plum, heady lilac, and strawberry Jolly Rancher.

The strawberry component continues once you take a sip, but there again are some darker fruit flavors coming through: currant, cayenne pepper, smoked meats, and a spice I can’t quite put my tongue on, but makes me think of garam masala.

For food pairings you have a couple of great choices, either lean in to the richness and pair this Merlot with an arrabbiata sauce packed with fresh bright tomatoes, spicy red chili peppers, and plenty of garlic. Or you could balance out the heavy rich flavors with heavy fresher flavors with a rosemary roasted chicken served with crispy sage potatoes. Or you can do what I did last night, just pour yourself a glass and head for the soaking tub.