Single vineyard Stag’s Leap District Merlot (location within SLD undisclosed). Red cherries, plum jelly, rare roast beef, coriander, thyme and tarragon smells and flavors is what I get in the Blacksmith Merlot 2014. Medium body, low tannins, medium acidity – classic Napa Merlot “softness.” All lightly framed by toasty, sweet oak. This is a Merlot for Merlot drinkers, not Cabernet Sauvignon drinkers.
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Winemaker Matt Smith is based in Alameda on the San Francisco Bay. His wines are always well-made, delicious and distinctive for the price. If you had $500 to spend on a variety of good, artisan California wine and could only buy from one winery, I’d suggest Blacksmith Wines to maximize your $500.
For all my reviews of Blacksmith Cellars wines, GO HERE.