A Month of Merlot

Like the talented child who has been overshadowed by his elder bother, Merlot is finally beginning to regain its birthright. The self-proclaimed Merlot Month of October is as good a time as any to celebrate this grape. IntoWine hand selected four Merlots to help you rediscover why Merlot is so good.

Wine of The Week - 2014 Olema Cabernet Sauvignon - 90 Points

Sonoma has carved out its own reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon in spite of the shadow that Napa casts across its border. Surprising to many is that Cabernet in Sonoma was planted as far back as the mid 1880s. Fortunately given the quality of Sonoma fruit, there are a diversity of wines at various price points. Comprised of 97% Cabernet and 3% Petite Sirah the 2014 Olema Cabernet is that wine made of quality fruit that allows a lower cost while maintaining Cabernet’s caliber. Farmed from mostly Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley grapes, with a small amount of Knight's Valley in the mix, the grapes were crushed, then stainless steel fermented, allowing for the vibrant fruit to remain intact.

Wine of The Week – Frank Family Vineyards 2015 Carneros Pinot Noir - 92 Points

Napa’s Frank Family Vineyards is better known for Cabernet Sauvignon than Pinot Noir, which might be exactly why this Pinot stands out. The grapes are sourced form Carneros, both from their own Lewis Vineyard and other Carneros sites, and were harvested between September and October. Grape clusters were de-stemmed, and the berries were cold soaked for four days in stainless steel open top fermenters, with daily punch downs.

Wine of The Week – Cliff Lede Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard- 95 Points

Beckstoffer is a name synonymous with exceptional Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit is always highly sought-out and few producers are lucky enough to get some. Cliff Lede makes terrific Cabernet and so they know intrinsically how to treat highly prized To Kalon fruit. And this is clearly evidenced in their 2014 Cabernet.

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