Wente Vineyards Sandstone Merlot 2019

Wente Vineyards Sandstone Merlot, Livermore Valley, California, USA, 2019

Grapes: A blend of 78% Merlot, 11% Petite Sirah, 7% Malbec & 4% Petit Verdot/Mourvedre/Syrah, sustainable vineyards, bottled unfined. aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels

Producer Tasting Note:

Sandstone Merlot is supple and beautifully balanced, showcasing aromas of ripe red cherry and plum that are complimented by creamy oak notes of sweet caramel and vanilla bean. Additional notes of white pepper, cardamom, and graphite provide more complexity and continue to develop as the wine breathes in the glass.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"Full of dried and stewed black fruits with spicy layers of cinnamon and milk chocolate."

89/100 points, DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS, 2021

Since 1883, five generations of the Wente family have handcrafted fine wines that express the very best of their vineyards and winemaking expertise. The Family has been growing outstanding Merlot and Bordeaux varieties in the Livermore Valley since 1883. The Sandstone Merlot comes from hillside vineyards in the Central Coast of California with the namesake sandstone soils. The vineyards benefit from warm days, well-drained soils, and cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean.

Food Match: Classic slow cooked pot roast, winter stews, honey glazed short ribs, stuffed mushrooms, and warm brie on toasted crostini. Also, one for the curry lovers: Rajasthani Laal Maas or Kashmiri lamb Rogan Josh