You may have noticed that the last few reviews on this site have all been for merlot. That’s also the theme of my column in the latest issue (issue #26) of Mutineer Magazine.
This merlot from Estancia didn’t make that column, but it’s still a very tasty merlot worth checking out.
It comes from the Central Coast at a location called Keyes Canyon Ranches, which is a property with about 700 acres of vineyards in the Paso Robles region.
This merlot shows a nice balance between fruit and earth aromas, with cherry and black raspberry spiced with tobacco and leather aromatics. The leather is an interesting note and is almost like a new wallet smell… and yes, I consider that a good thing. The wine is well balanced and smooth in terms of texture, offering black plum and black raspberry flavors. Vibrant acidity makes those flavors pop. There’s a touch of spice on the mid-palate. The finish is long and delicious.
Wine: Estancia Keyes Canyon Ranches
Variety: Merlot
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 88
Price: $14.00
Find Estancia Keyes Canyon Ranches Merlot with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.