This wine evinces the classic sweet-leafiness I associate with Merlot, but it is also anchored by a dark gravitas so rare in New World examples. Profusely perfumed, it suggests rose hips, violets, cassis, fresh cedar, and juniper berry. The palate is gamine; floral but also herbaceous, a potpourri of sweet tea and rose petals, raspberry and its leaf, black and red currants, rosewood. The tannins are suede-like, velvety, but the wine’s acidity flares like a comet at the finish. This is an exquisite and beautiful Merlot, and also a screaming deal.
2016 Sutro Merlot Warnecke Ranch Alexander Valley
14.3% abv | $35 (sample)
