Without a doubt, my favorite vineyard source for Merlot is
Alisos Vineyard located a few miles east of Los Alamos. Of
all Merlot vineyards I have worked with, Alisos Vineyard always produces the
most intense wines. The 2016 vintage was so exceptional that I was moved to
set aside one barrel, only 24 cases, for this bottling to exemplify the wine’s
extraordinary potential.
The wine has changed very little since its release in 2019.
The color is still an extremely dark red, opaque color. The brooding aromas of
ripe figs, black cherries and vanillin have changed very little. The rich
flavors are now reminiscent of dried dates, mince pie, coffee and cloves. The
strong tannins have smoothed out but still indicate the wine will benefit from
a few more years of cellaring.
This robust wine will pair well with the heartiest of meals
including grilled flat iron steak with blue cheese butter, roast leg of lamb
with rosemary and garlic, and stuffed portabella mushrooms with crispy goat
cheese.
