Macerated blackberry, muddled mint, chewy plum skin. Sun-dried cherry, smashed violet, cacao nibs. Heaps of pulverized black currant, blueberry, and strawberry converge in a full throttle and fleshy crushed berry medley practically oozing with astoundingly primary fruit character. Bell pepper and menthol instantaneously emerge providing a lightly pyrazinic twist before the powerful aroma of fermenting grape must reasserts youthful vigor. Subtle impressions of cinnamon and white pepper impart mild hints of spice as complicating notes of browned tobacco, asphalt, and sandstone add depth and dimension. Rugged, masculine, and charmingly unpolished; packed with intense sticky tannin and elevated acidity within its full bodied frame. This 2014 Paso Robles Merlot by Artisan Uprising is a brawny and robust red from California's Central Coast.

As one of California's warmest and driest quality-oriented winegrowing regions Paso Robles has the potential to shape wines of impressive concentration and moxie. This bottling, crafted by Artisan Uprising using Merlot sourced from Paso Robles, showcases the raw power and intensity this region is uniquely capable of. Dense, sticky, and saturated fruits dominate the profile of this remarkably youthful-feeling wine while a streak of pronounced acidity diligently keep things lively on the palate. Although quite extracted and mouth-filling this does not coming off as either sweet or cloying, rather an inherent juicy character maintains pleasant drinkability here. This is a sure fire crowd-favorite for fans of riper California styles.