I’ve long reviewed wines based upon a simple principle: Is the wine I’m tasting commensurate with its price? Many expensive wines are not worth the price, and similarly, many inexpensive wines are not worth their price tag. So to find this Merlot, for 11 bucks, well, it’s worth every penny, and more. Line 39 did an exceptional job of making this wine and crafting a solid, dependable and tasty wine. Though not overly complex, it offers what every wine should: definable fruit, integrated oak, good acidity and tannic structure. Notes of blueberry, blackberry, wild cherry, huckleberry and back notes of cocoa powder and boysenberry make this a compelling wine. This is a stellar find and an example that wine needn’t break the bank to be good. ORIGIN: California. ALCOHOL: 14.5%
