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Well, someone has to do it

One of the responsibilities I have at Sculpterra Winery is keeping track of older inventory wines. As curator of this ‘Library’, I have to occasionally find out what’s tasting good and showcase one or two of these wines in the tasting room. Someone has to do these things, and it’s a burden I’m more than willing to accept…

Merlot 2012

2012 was a hot year in Paso Robles and the fruit from the 8-acre planting of Merlot at Sculpterra was of excellent quality, requiring almost no sorting. The vines yielded around 3 tonnes per acre, producing small berries, just what’s needed for quality wine. Barrel ageing was completed in 20 months using all neutral barrels.

Red plum aromas are balanced out by cedar, vanilla oak, and a little bay leaf.

Mild but dry and layered on the palate, the fine tannins build giving the wine sophisticated structure.

Dried fruit, cedar and vanilla flavours continue the mild but sophisticated theme, before gradually tailing off to a slightly chocolatey finish.

Conclusions

This wine has held up rather well, considering warmer-climate Merlot can be a bit too soft to withstand cellaring. The tannic structure is still wonderful, bolstered in part by the addition of a little Cabernet Franc. The acidity isn’t all that lively though, keeping the mouthfeel mild. This isn’t a big wine, but it displays a character and sophistication that I really appreciate.

Drink this wine in the next year or two, and pair it with roast chicken and roasted vegetables with garlic and herb butter. Yes, red wine with chicken!

There isn’t much of this wine left now, and it’s only available in the Tasting Room, retailing at $58.

If you would prefer a younger, brighter Merlot, take a look at my review of the current 2016 vintage here.

To shop for Melot wines on Wine.com, here’s the obligatory affiliate link. New customers can currently get $30 off an order of $150 using code THIRTY.

Darren