2012 Ehlers Estate Merlot

Overall score: 17.5 (9 for quality, 8.5 for value) Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with seven scores of 9 or higher. “Ripe black fruit, spicy notes. Minty nose. Dry tannins.” My score: 9. The property and stone winery building in St. Helena dates from 1886 (also the name of Ehler’s flagship wine) with Ehlers’ modern history beginning about a century later, when a French couple, Jean and Sulviane Leducq, took over, aided by renowned enologist Jacques Boissenot. The estate soon grew to its current 42 acres. The merlot profited from a perfect growing season, with early spring rains followed by summer-long warm days and cool nights. The vineyards are certified organic and fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, 50 percent of which are new. Alcohol: 14.2 percent. Winemaker notes: “Another luscious, full, and rich Merlot that illustrates the full potential of the Ehlers terroir. A complex presentation of licorice, black raspberries, red currants, cappuccino and chocolate cherries. The tannins are at once fine and chewy and the bold, juicy structure is what has always made the Ehlers Merlot a merlot for cabernet drinkers.” Critical acclaim: Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate awarded a score of 92: “A dark ruby-plum-purplecolored wine, it possesses sweet black cherry and plum fruit, medium to full body, a lush texture, and impressive purity, length and overall personality. It’s difficult to understand why merlot still receives so much criticism given wines such as this beauty.” Pairings: Roast chicken, steak and/or fish in a red-wine sauces, tomato-basted pasta dishes. Buy it: $55 from ehlersestate.com