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Today's Wine Review

2023 Merriam Vineyards Merlot "Windacre Vineyard"

Winery: Merriam Vineyards

Vintage: 2023

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Windacre Vineyard"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 100% Merlot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Russian River Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $56

Cases produced: 200

KWG Score: 91 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92)

Review date: September 4, 2026

Wine Review: This opaque and medium purple colored Merlot from Merriam opens with a mild cassis and pencil lead bouquet with hints of blueberry, dried sage, and rose petals. On the palate, this wine is medium plus bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and polished. The flavor profile is a gentle red plum and black cherry blend with notes of milk chocolate and graphite. We also detected hints of oolong tea and oak. The finish is dry, and its flavors, acidity, and fine dusty tannins are nicely sustained. We would pair this Merlot with a porterhouse steak or with Korean beef bulgogi. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: On the nose, this vintage of Windacre Merlot opens with an inviting bouquet of roses and violets, followed by vibrant red currant, toasty clove and accents of baking spices creating a fragrant and expressive nose. Flavors of stewed red fruits, black cherry and milk chocolate unfold seamlessly on the palate. Layers of ground spices add depth and warmth. Time spent in barrel provides richness and aromatic complexity while maintain balance and varietal clarity. The structure and harmony of this Merlot will show gracefully over the next 10 years.

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