Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Reserve Merlot 2019, Alan Foppiano Historic Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, California

Tasting Note: A fragrant merlot that presents a lighter side of merlot than is typical of many of Sunce Winery’s previous vintages.

Medium-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of blueberry, black currant, strawberry, red plum, cassis, red cherry and blossom.

On the palate the dry, medium-bodied merlot has medium-intensity flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and completing with a red-fruit-leaning, medium finish.

The midpalate of the wine is decidedly red-fruit centric with black fruit percolating at moments throughout the length of the taste.

I enjoyed the wine with a vegetable crepe and the pairing was delightful.

Bottle Note: Sunce is a family winery located in the Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma County – specializing in small artisan lots of vineyard designated varietal wine and classic blends. This 100% merlot from Foppiono’s historic Dry Creek Valley vineyard entices the senses with subtle eucalyptus, plummy aromas, leading into flavors of dark dusty blackberry fruit laced with subtle herbs and the truffles drenched in black tea. It finishes long and soft, creamy and dry. We enjoy it with grilled steak, Beef Stroganoff, Beef Bourguignon or by itself. Frane Franicevic, Winemaker. Only 7 barrels made.