2014 Perrone Merlot

Deep ruby color. Ripe cherry and currant aromas, barrel spice, and dried savory herbs. Elegant entry, mountain bramble fruit, medium-full body, mineral, and lively acidity, with a long finish. EB (7/18)

Monte Bello’s West Block is located within the nineteenth-century estate founded by Osea Perrone. At 2600′ elevation, full exposure to the Pacific Ocean keeps these vines cool, which allows the grapes to ripen slowly. Early bud-break advanced harvest by a month; the grapes were whole-berry fermented for seven days before pressing. Once natural malolactic was underway, the wine was pumped to new barrels, and racked quarterly to clarify by gravity. Enjoyable now, it will develop over the next eight years.

Vinous Media (August 2017): 93 Points. “The 2014 Merlot Perrone is dark, pliant and expressive. This is another wine where the stress of the vintage comes through in the wine’s dark profile and somewhat combative tannins. The Perrone is quite a bit darker and more savory than the Estate Merlot. Sage, rosemary, licorice and earthy notes add aromatic intrigue throughout. I would give the 2014 at least a few years in bottle, as it needs to shed some of its tannic heft to be at its best.” – Antonio Galloni

Average Rating: 92.1

No. of Tasting Notes: 17

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