2021 Highway 12 Merlot

Following on the heels of the 2019--Wine Enthusiast's 91 point pick and North Coast Wine Challenge Gold Medalist, you'd think we had big shoes to fill with this new vintage. Well fill them we did-- talk about a wine that over-delivers yet again, especially for this price! Weighty and bold, this Merlot was aged for 19 months in new and neutral oak. Layers of black cherry, blueberry and plum, underscored by vanilla and mocha on the palate. Nuances of black olive and Earl Grey tea come to focus on the mid palate. Balanced acidity adds structure and elegance, while sturdy tannins carry the wine to a fruitful, concentrated and lengthy finish and will age beautifully. Pair this with appetizer of sausage stuffed mushrooms, entrees blackened salmon over red beans and rice or Chile Verde.