Page 80 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL WINTER 2024 SCOTLAND

Wales, Australia; Chamlija Asticus Mons
2020 Strandja Mountains, Turkey.

Oaked Merlot Blend

Gold: £20-£30, Kendall-Jackson Vint‐
ner’s Reserve 2021 Merlot, Sonoma
County, USA.
Gold: 30-£50, Trefethen Family Vine‐
yards Estate 2021 Merlot, California;
Château La Fleur de Boüard 2020 Bor‐
deaux, France.

Four Recent Finds in the U.S.

$20 French value 2022 Château Bel-
Air Lussac-St. Émilion (70% Merlot, 15%
each Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc). Mid
garnet, viscous (14.0 alc.); berries,
herbaceous, earthy red fruit nose; low-
mid acids; mid tannins; semi-round short
red fruit finish. 15.5/89.
$15 Calif. 2022 Bonterra Vineyards
Merlot, Organic. Mid-garnet, viscous
(14.2 alc.); red fruit, raspberry jam nose;
dry; mid acids/tannins; decent semi-tight
varietal finish. w/appetizers. 15/88.
Tasty $25 Napa 2021 Markham Mer‐
lot. Mid garnet, viscous (14.5 alc.); red
fruit, herbaceous strawberry jam nose
(91% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2%
Malbec); mid acids; softening tannins;
round red fruit finish. w/appetizers,
meat, or pasta courses. 16/90.
$23 value 2021 Rutherford Hill Merlot
Napa Valley. Mid-garnet, viscous (14.3
alc.); red fruit, herbaceous, cocoa,
smokey nose; low-mid acids; low-mid
tannins; semi-long, balanced, red fruit
finish. Easy-sipping with almost any‐
thing. 16/90.

80 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE WINTER 2025