Merlot 2018
Merlot is one of our most distinctive expressions, thanks to the nuances that we’ve discovered in our vineyards. For our 2018 Merlot, the fruit was destemmed and pressed before a warm fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation to soften the mouthfeel and was aged for 18 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, nearly half of which were new.
A brilliant crimson hue in the glass hints at this Merlot’s generous palate of rich, ripe red fruit. Notes of strawberry and pomegranate are framed by a subtle suggestion of dried herbs. This medium-bodied wine has an elegant tannin structure and a velvety finish.
From one of the oldest and most consistent organically and sustainably farmed vineyards, Bonterra makes a delicious, fruit-forward merlot reminiscent of a cherry orchard. Blended with a bit of petite sirah and malbec, it has good dimension and richness with hints of vanilla and spice.
Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr, Author of Capital Gazette
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Testimonial
From one of the oldest and most consistent organically and sustainably farmed vineyards, Bonterra makes a delicious, fruit-forward merlot reminiscent of a cherry orchard. Blended with a bit of petite sirah and malbec, it has good dimension and richness with hints of vanilla and spice.
Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr, Author of Capital Gazette
Awards
Wine Enthusiast, February 2015 Issue
“On the big and bold side, this has abundant fruit flavors surrounded by equally abundant lip-smacking tannins, great acidity and a long finish.”
Wine Spectator, June 2018 Issue
“This elegant medium-bodied wine has everything in place, from fresh plummy aromas to warm layered flavors to an appetizing and moderately tannic texture. It has excellent balance, with a sense of freshness and depth that is compelling.”
Jim Gordon – Wine Enthusiast
Planet Grape Wine Review, Planet Grape, August 2020
“…fresh and dry with notes of plum, cassis, blueberry, bay leaf, cedar and vanilla bean.”
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Awards
90 PTS, 2012 Vintage
Wine Enthusiast, February 2015 Issue
“On the big and bold side, this has abundant fruit flavors surrounded by equally abundant lip-smacking tannins, great acidity and a long finish.”
91 PTS, 2015 Vintage Editors’ ChoiceWine Spectator, June 2018 Issue
“This elegant medium-bodied wine has everything in place, from fresh plummy aromas to warm layered flavors to an appetizing and moderately tannic texture. It has excellent balance, with a sense of freshness and depth that is compelling.”
Jim Gordon – Wine Enthusiast
90 Points, 2018 Vintage, Planet Grape, August 2020Planet Grape Wine Review, Planet Grape, August 2020
“…fresh and dry with notes of plum, cassis, blueberry, bay leaf, cedar and vanilla bean.”
