Charles Smith The Velvet Devil Merlot 2021

"Beguiling aromas of cherry cobbler, cinnamon and Herbes de Provence. Robust flavors of black cherry and molasses, followed by bramble, tobacco and bittersweet chocolate notes at the end. The substantial tannins soften on the finish." —winemaker

"Concentrated dark fruit aromas greet the nose with rich flavors of blackberry and raspberry. A perceived sweetness and velvety mouthfeel complement the toasted oak and baking spice." —winemaker

"Diamond Collection wines are made from grapes grown across California and Oregon, and are carefully combined to create wines perfect for all occasions – including those special just because ones. The concentration and flavor complexity of our Diamond Collection Merlot is derived from blending fruit from three diverse appellations, including Paso Robles, Sonoma, and Monterey County. Medium-bodied with velvety texture, this wine offers rich fruit impressions, earthy spice notes, and supple tannins." —winemaker

"Our Blackstone Winemaker's Select Merlot displays a bright strawberry nose with expressive flavors of blackberry and cherry mingling with hints of vanilla and smoky notes from oak aging. Powerful yet supple, with a smooth, lingering finish, this accessible wine pairs wonderfully with beef tenderloin, wild mushroom stew, or planked salmon." -winemaker

"This Merlot is soft and inviting with balanced flavors of blueberry, raspberry, and milk chocolate and scents of fragrant violets and vanilla." —winemaker

"The Sonoma County Merlot is lush with notes of blackberry, fig compote and cassis. Medium bodied with soft tannins, this wine boasts toasty oak and spice on the mid-palate punctuated by a full and lively finish. These luscious dark fruit and toasty flavors are enhanced by aging in French oak barrels." —winemaker

"The wine offers aromas of black cherry, leather and spice with layers of rich dark red fruit flavors and a long, smooth, sweet finish. A touch of Syrah adds a jammy fruit character." —winemaker

"The J. Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot is medium-dark in color with a red hue. Varietal aromas of black plum and violet meld with the light barrel signature of baking spices and toasted pastry. A generous fraction of Malbec in the blend accentuates bright fruit tones and contributes notes of pomegranate and hibiscus flower. This wine is lively and bright on the palate and cascades to a lengthy, red-fruit finish. It's named after the slightly heavier Los Osos series soils in Paso Robles, which have proven to be the perfect medium for growing lush, flavorful Merlot." —winemaker

"Deep garnet with concentrated dark fruit, blueberry, vanilla, and cherry on the nose. On the palate, well balanced with cherry, cranberry, and marzipan flavors, complemented by a lingering, toasty vanilla finish." —winemaker

"Our Merlot is perfect for any occasion. It is a decadent fruit-filled combination of red cherry, boysenberry and plum with melt-in-your-mouth chocolate notes and mild tannins to round out the flavors." —winemaker