Merlot from the Wetzel Family Estate has a reputation for being a big, complex wine. First produced in 1984,
this has been a classically structured wine each year, often showing as much tannin as many Cabernet Sauvignons.
The 2021 growing season enjoyed near-perfect growing conditions. The year began with unseasonably warm temperatures, and lower than normal rainfall. This was followed by weeks of steady daytime heat and cool evenings, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly. Harvest began on September 9th. At harvest, the quality of the fruit was excellent with high acidity and intense flavors.
This wine impresses red wine lovers immediately with spicy aromas of black cherry, plum, boysenberry, cassis, vanilla and oak in the glass. Our Merlot is full bodied with big flavors of black cherry, plum, cassis and slight chocolate. This is a big, structured Merlot with beautiful balance and a long, textured finish.
The fruit and structure of this wine pairs with a variety of big flavors. A family favorite is Beef Stroganoff. Classic pairings include lamb chops, duck, prime rib and filet. For a cold weather treat, try a glass with Mushroom Bisque.
93 James Suckling Aromatic, complex and nicely chewy in texture, it makes a good argument for Sonoma merlot in this excellent vintage. Intriguing, earthy, tobacco-like aromas, then dark plum, black cherry and bay leaf flavors fill out the full body, wrapped in velvety tannins.
