2014 Estate Merlot Santa Clara Valley Jason Stephens Winery 89 Points

2014 Merlot Jason Stephens Winery by Jason Goeltz winemaker

Rounded red-berry fruit meets with vanilla, caramel, smoke and wet soil on the nose of this bottling from a winery near Morgan Hill. Hickory smoke and rich red-fruit flavors start the palate, where grippy tannins lead into a cocoa-laced finish. It needs some time to smooth out. — Matt Kettmann

Wine Enthusiast.    07/01/2018.     89 Points.      Alcohol 14.5%

"Intriguing and welcome leafy and herbal nuances, a hallmark of real Merlot, complements the dark fruitiness that otherwise dominates. A hint of chocolate, presumably from oak aging, either enhances or detracts, depending on your point of view. The silky tannins in this blend of Merlot (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and Malbec make it ideal for current consumption.---- Michael Apstein" - 87/100, Wine Review Online