2020 Grand Alexander Valley, Sonoma County Merlot
WINE NOTES
NAME:
Grand
VARIETAL:
Merlot
APPELLATION:
Alexander Valley
Sonoma County
VINTAGE:
2020
Do you recall the movie Sideways? Then you will remember what was perhaps the most memorable line of the movie from the main character Miles, "If anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am not drinking any f***ing Merlot." The irony (that many people missed) was that Miles had a treasure in his collection of wine; a bottle of 1961 Cheval Blanc that at the end he wound up drinking in a fast food restaurant out of a paper cup… and this wine is a blend of mostly Merlot. So, Miles loved Merlot, he just didn’t know it.
After searching for 3 years and releasing 26 wines… we finally found an excellent quality Merlot from a powerhouse of a wine region, that being Alexander Valley, Sonoma. Merlot is the most planted grape in Bordeaux for many reasons, the main reason being that it can make as excellent, if not better, of a big red wine as Cabernet. And all big wines need a home that is dry, has super warm days to get those big flavors and deep colors, and cool nights to add the acidity, structure and complexity… and Alexander Valley is perfection for these wine profiles. For our biggest red wines we often go to Paso as it continues to impress us with each new vintage.
Pour yourself a glass and follow along…
First, check out the dark garnet color. Really nice. Then there is plenty of complexity with aromas of violet, nubuck suede, a touch of leather and bright deep black cherry. The taste is big, yet balanced and elegant for such a rich red wine. It has boisterous black cherry and blueberry flavors, a bit of leather, mellow tannins, a really nice cacao nib creaminess and just a touch of oak for a rock star finish. Perfectly GRAND!
Cheers - Eric 🍷
ARTWORK & LABEL DESIGN
Eric and I were both awestruck with this beautiful Merlot. As we drank it, I felt a boldness and beauty that reminded me of my incredible grand piano in our living room. Pianos can be powerful yet beautiful. When I sit down to play it, I feel the sound in my knees, from the bottom of the keyboard to the top. And it rings through the room (and probably rings down the street too!) This wine has that beauty to it … and it stays with you. It lingers. The artwork was a nod to the past. I found this blueprint of a Steinway Grand Piano, and thought that it encompassed the classic nature as well as the rich history of this wine. A little history, a little detail… look into the complexity of the Steinway Grand Piano as you enjoy the complexity of this beautiful wine. - Mindi
When you’re drinking a powerful bold and beautiful Merlot like Grand, immerse in some of the greatest music ever recorded… all featuring the Grand Piano. This is my perfect pairing for our Grand Merlot. Feel the clarity, the beauty, sometimes the complexity, and always the emotion of these artists as they “work” the piano. Artists like Elton John and Billy Joel, Carole King, Alicia Keys and John Legend will move you and take this wine to the next level. You might have forgotten how much you love the piano… and how much you love Merlot!
- 🎶Mindi
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