2021 Merlot
A bold expression of a Bordeaux classic
$35
Retail
$28
About the Wine
The 2021 JUSTIN Merlot shows a serious side of this popular grape variety. In the past, the merlot grape had received a reputation as a soft, cushy, easygoing variety, but this wine proves that it can hold its own. Full-bodied with ripe fruit, a classic Bordeaux-style savory character, and firm tannins, this wine is a complex version of Merlot that announces to the world that this is a grape variety with serious intentions.
Tasting Notes
Body
Appearance
Bright with a moderate ruby purple color nearly to the rim and moderately stained, thick tears on the glass.
Aroma
Nicely aromatic with ripe black cherry, rich black plum, bay leaf, sweet barrel spice, and dark cocoa notes.
Palate
Dry and full-bodied, with a variety of cherry flavors—black, red, and dried—followed by fall leaves and dried herbs. The midpalate shows medium-firm tannins, savory notes of mocha, and faint mint notes. The long finish shows firm tannins, notes of dark fruit, dried cherry, vanilla, and warm barrel spice.
Key Features
Appellation
Paso Robles
Fermentation
Stainless steel closed-top tanks with UV43 yeast and twice-daily mixing
Maturation
Barrel-aged for 18 months in 26% new French oak
Alcohol
14.5%
SUGGESTED FOOD PAIRINGS
Pork Chop
The 2021 Merlot is full-bodied with dark fruit and mouth-filling tannins, making it a great pairing with leaner meats like charcoal grilled pork chops with a plum glaze or blackened chicken breast with succotash.
