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 🍷