2014 De Lille Cellars Merlot Red Willow Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(from DuBrul, Klipsun, Red Willow and Upchurch vineyards): Bright ruby-red. Inviting scents of cassis, pomegranate, spices, menthol and licorice. Densely packed, plush and ripe but showing less easy sweetness than the Doyenne Red Wine that preceded it in my tasting. A tangy cranberry flavor is accented by a hint of slatey minerality, which combines with the wine's firm but suave tannins to give it a serious spine for aging. Here's a Merlot that needs no Cabernet for structure.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Slightly less structured and concentrated from bottle than from barrel, the 2014 Merlot is a supple, elegant effort that has beautiful cassis, lead pencil, chocolate and hints of herbs in its full-bodied, charming, textured personality. It's impeccably balanced and has light, sweet tannin that show on the finish. While it's already drinking beautifully, I suspect it will continue to shine for a decade given its overall balance and purity.