Connoisseur's Guide 88 points - Merlot is teamed here with a few unconventional supporters, but the wine is in all ways a straightforward expression of Merlot's slightly juicy, very-easy-to-like, ripe-cherry fruit. It is medium-bodied, nicely balanced and slightly plush on the palate, and, while it is never as deep or complex as its high-ticket cousins, it is a very honest and thoroughly enjoyable take on the grape that gets the job done at price that makes it an out and out bargain. (Jan 2011)
Raised on vines in a valley that absorbs the full brilliance of a Mendocino County day, this nuanced wine blends a focused Merlot character with an evident heritage of Bordeaux. Aromas of cranberry, chocolate and cola spice add to the old-world style. Our Merlot is wonderfully dry, with compelling fruit and touches of herbs and light oak.
| Producer |
| At Bonterra, we take our cues from the land and the fruit. We let them tell us what to do.
Our holistic approach to winemaking took root in 1987 when we were experimenting with wine and food pairings. The fruits, vegetables and herbs we used came from our extensive organic garden. The purity, intensity and freshness of the flavors were amazing. From that point on, we committed ourselves to growing grapes organically.
Over the years, we've evolved our philosophy based on what we know works. Today our vineyard is an environment of incredible diversity: soil, plants and animals work together to create a web of natural balance where all the elements thrive.
Decades of learning and winemaking accolades have reinforced our passionate belief that our organic grapes make better wine. |
