2019 El Portal Vineyard Merlot

Uncork our 2019 El Portal Vineyard Merlot from California and discover a complex, yet well-balanced red wine with gorgeous aromas and adventurous flavor notes. Like any great Merlot, this medium to full-bodied wine begins with ripe plum and black cherry notes, then layered within are subtle notes of spice, such as gingerbread, caramel, and a hint of vanilla from barrel-aging. Merlot, which means “little blackbird” in French, is one of those prolific and prestigious grapes. It is a dark purple color, is the most planted grape in the famed winemaking region of Bordeaux, France, and is often used in blends. In California, where vineyards enjoy warm temperatures, Merlot thrives. The resulting wines tend to be bolder with more intense fruit flavors than of their Old-World relatives. The popular winemakers behind a Portal Vineyards earned a silver medal at the 2020 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition for the 2018 vintage of this Merlot. For an ideal pairing, try this wine with a roasted duck prepared with mushrooms and root vegetables. Savory flavors pair well, and meaty dishes hold hands nicely with its bold berry flavors, so veal or game also make a delectable pairing.