Reviews & Ratings

2014 Gundlach Bundschu Merlot "Sonoma Valley"

Winery: Gundlach Bundschu

Vintage: 2014

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Sonoma Valley"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 84% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon & 2% Petit Verdot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Sonoma Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $35

Cases produced: 3,797

KWG Score: 91 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89)

Review date: December 9, 2017

Wine Review: This opaque and midnight purple colored Merlot from Gundlach Bundschu opens with a black licorice and black cherry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and smooth. The flavor profile is a cedar and mineral infused black raspberry and cherry blend with notes of black licorice. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins stick around for quite some time. This Merlot would pair nicely with a homemade meatloaf topped with bacon.

Winemaker Notes: At Gundlach Bundschu, we love Sonoma Merlot! This downtrodden grape had to valiantly defend itself for years. Well, it's back! And better than ever on Rhinefarm. Merlot can have a reputation for being soft and wimpy, but the Merlot from Rhinefarm takes on a robust personality. It is distinctively dark and weighty with aromas and flavors of blueberries, black tea and cocoa and spice box. Pair with meatballs, braised red meats (think short ribs) or anything resembling pasta and red sauce. Yu can also serve it blind to your wine snob friends who still think all Merlot is wimpy.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Gundlach Bundschu 2014 Merlot.