Merlot

Havens Merlot 2004 750ml $29.99 Napa Valley Merlot "Sharp, tart, red fruit with smokey, dusty notes finishing with hints of citric acid. This wine is definitely a food wine. Pair with gamey dishes such as squab, or stuffed quail. Enjoy now or cellar through 2013. Decanting is necessary - a minimum of forty minutes." - John Haggard, Sophie's Cellars

Moshin Merlot Molinari 2005 750ml $22.99 Dry Creek Valley Merlot Molinari Vineyard "All hail Merlot! Berries and earth on the nose with a slight hint of menthol. Big mouth full of bright raspberries and ripe plums make a perfect match for all kinds of medium to heavy foods. Imagine grilled shish-ka-bab or honey Dijon mustard and smoked sausage, yum. Drinking well now through 2010. 685 cases produced." - Winery notes

Pellegrini Merlot Cloverdale Ranch 2004 750ml $22.99 Alexander Valley Merlot "The 2004 Cloverdale Ranch Merlot is full of dry black bramble berry flavors laced with a hint of cedar from the oak barrel aging. Herbacious flavors abound, not typical of this vineyard. Pair with duck breast with cherry sauce and other rich meat dishes. Decant for twenty minutes. Cellar through 2011." - John Haggard, Sophie's Cellars

Sterling Vineyards Three Palms Merlot 2002 750ml $59.99 Napa Valley "Three Palms Vineyards has been made famous by both Duckhorn Vineyards and Sterling Vineyards. Concentrated red fruit flavors with complex mineral notes on the finish. This merlot is designed with food in mind. Pair with duck breast and cherry sauce; the tight wound red fruit flavors are best enjoyed with a rich sauce. Decant for forty minutes. Cellar through 2012." - John Haggard, Sophie's Cellars

Trecini Merlot 2005 750ml $24.99 Russian River Valley Merlot Vicini Vineyard "The 2005 Trecini Merlot is a great example of a long cool season: intense red fruit flavors accompanied by ample sweet French Oak produce a delicious merlot ready to drink now and with a structure that will allow this wine to age up to nine years. Consider decanting for forty minutes. Try pairing with roast pork loin." - John Haggard, Sophie's Cellars

We hope you will enjoy your visit with us online or at Sophie's Cellars in California's spectacular Russian River wine region.