Full Review

Bonterra

Bonterra
2017 Merlot, Mendocino County

Pair this wine with:
Beef Cheese Pasta Pork

Category: Merlot

Date Tasted:
Country: USA
Alcohol: 14.1%
92 Points
Gold Medal
Exceptional
$16
Best Buy

Bonterra
2017 Merlot, Mendocino County

Pair this wine with:
Beef Cheese Pasta Pork

Category: Merlot

Date Tasted:
Country: USA
Alcohol: 14.1%
Violet color. Aromas of acai, boysenberry, watermelon, sautéed mushrooms, and sandalwood incense with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an even, layered, medium-long pine nut brittle, raspberry vinaigrette, and peppered radishes finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A well-balanced and pleasing Merlot that will shine with food.

Tasting Info

Wine Glass Style: Fruity, Juicy & Smooth & Spicy & Complex
Aroma Aroma: acai, boysenberry, watermelon, sautéed mushrooms, and sandalwood incense
Taste Flavor: pine nut brittle, raspberry vinaigrette, and peppered radishes
Sweetness Sweetness: Dry-yet-Fruity
Enjoy Enjoy: Now-3 years on its own and with food
Recipes Pairing: Baked Ham, Meat Loaf, Lasagna
Bottom Line Bottom Line: A well-balanced and pleasing Merlot that will shine with food.

The Producer

Fetzer Vineyards

The Producer
12901 Old River Road
Hopland, CA 95449
USA
1 707-744-1250

Their Portfolio

89 1000 Stories 2017 Bourbon Barrel-Aged, Zinfandel, California 15.7% (USA) $19.00.
BR Bonterra 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, California 13.8% (USA) $16.00. - Bronze Medal
92 Bonterra 2017 Merlot, Mendocino County 14.1% (USA) $16.00.
87 Bonterra 2018 Chardonnay, California 13.5% (USA) $14.00.
85 Bonterra 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, California 13.3% (USA) $14.00.
88 Bonterra 2018 Rosé, Mendocino County 13% (USA) $16.00.
88 Bonterra 2017 Equinox Red, California 14.5% (USA) $16.00.
89 Bonterra 2017 Zinfandel, Mendocino County 14.8% (USA) $16.00.
85 Bonterra 2018 Blue Heron Vineyard Dry Muscat, Muscat, Mendocino County 13% (USA) $16.00.
87 Bonterra 2018 Young Red, Mendocino County 13.4% (USA) $16.00.
85 Bonterra NV Red Blend, California 14.5% (USA) $23.00.
86 Bonterra NV Sauvignon Blanc, California 13.2% (USA) $23.00.
91 Bonterra 2018 Pinot Noir, Mendocino County 13.8% (USA) $18.00.
89 Bonterra 2019 Pinot Noir, Mendocino County 13.8% (USA) $18.00.
88 Casillero del Diablo 2018 Reserva Carmenere, Central Valley 13.5% (Chile) $12.00.
89 Casillero del Diablo 2019 Reserva, Carmenere, Central Valley 13.5% (Chile) $12.00.
88 Cono Sur 2020 Bicicleta Reserva, Chardonnay, Chile 13% (Chile) $8.00.
86 Frontera 2019 After Dark Red Blend, Central Valley 12% (Chile) $6.00.
85 Frontera 2019 After Dark, Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Valley 12% (Chile) $6.00.
BR Frontera 2019 After Dark, Sauvignon Blanc, Central Valley 12.5% (Chile) $6.00. - Bronze Medal
87 Trivento 2018 Amado Sur Red Blend, Malbec, Mendoza 14% (Argentina) $18.00.

Merlot

Wine Glass Cabernet.jpg
Serve in a Cabernet Wine Glass
Merlot is a red variety that is loved by consumers, yet often shunned by certain wine gurus and critics, as they perceive these wines as “little sisters” to the more powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. Yet on its own, the best examples of Merlot are multi-layered, complex wines that are among the finest in the world.

Merlot has many similar flavors to Cabernet Sauvignon, especially with its cherry and plum fruit, but is has fewer, less sharp tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon. Many producers whether in Bordeaux, America, Chile or elsewhere, often blend small percentages of Merlot into Cabernet Sauvignon to lessen the tannic bitterness of the latter.

A few districts in France’s Bordeaux region, namely Pomerol, are home to the greatest examples of Merlot. Chateau Petrus is the world’s most famous example of Merlot, a powerful wine that ages beautifully for 30 or 40 years in the best vintages. There are also celebrated examples from American, especially in Washington’s Walla Walla valley as well as in Napa Valley in California. Merlot is also very successful in Chile, New Zealand and even in certain part of Italy.

Merlot pairs best with foods such as lamb or veal, but it also sought out by consumers to accompany steaks and roast when they want a rounder, more elegant red wine.