2015 Estate Merlot - Ehret Family Winery

Succulent Damson plum, roasted tobacco, blackberry compote. Chocolate covered strawberry, violet concentrate, black licorice liqueur. A deep and contemplative concoction of muddled dark cherry, sweet blueberry, and fig puree highlights a remarkably velvety yet tense fruit core deliciously complicated by fresh mint, purple flowers, and wood smoke. Wafts of clove, vanilla, and cinnamon emerge to reveal a surprisingly restrained dusting of baking spice that sings in tune with more decadent impressions of cocoa, caramel, fruit cake, and fresh brewed coffee. A lifted thread of menthol exposes an immaculately clean natural edge that rises above soil tones of iron and tufa-laden volcanic earth. Impressively rich, layered, and multidimensional while remaining firm and structured on the palate; exhibiting outstanding balance and composure to offset undoubtedly excellent concentration. Medium plus in body with powerful yet softly-textured tannin supported by elevated acidity. This 2015 Estate Merlot by Ehret Family Winery is an incredibly serious, well made, and age worthy red from Sonoma's Knights Valley. 

Although California Merlot has famously fluctuated in popularity in the last few decades, premium wine made from this noble Bordelais grape seems to be making a major resurgence thanks to a number of quality-oriented producers treating it with their utmost care and respect. This bottling, crafted by Ehret Family Winery using Merlot grown in their estate Bavarian Lion Vineyard in Knights Valley, showcases this legendary variety at its most polished and prestigious. While it contains a substantial helping of rich dark fruit and oak-influenced decadence this wine remains impressively firm and resolute thanks to superb balance and restraint. It perfectly reflects both terroir and type, and at now at 5 years of age this wine's decidedly young and primary character implies a long and spectacular evolution ahead of it. Outstanding.