Estancia Keyes Canyon Ranches Merlot

You may have noticed that the last few reviews on this site have all been for merlot.  That’s also the theme of my column in the latest issue (issue #26) of Mutineer Magazine.

This merlot from Estancia didn’t make that column, but it’s still a very tasty merlot worth checking out.

It comes from the Central Coast at a location called Keyes Canyon Ranches, which is a property with about 700 acres of vineyards in the Paso Robles region.

This merlot shows a nice balance between fruit and earth aromas, with cherry and black raspberry spiced with tobacco and leather aromatics.  The leather is an interesting note and is almost like a new wallet smell… and yes, I consider that a good thing.  The wine is well balanced and smooth in terms of texture, offering black plum and black raspberry flavors.  Vibrant acidity makes those flavors pop.  There’s a touch of spice on the mid-palate.  The finish is long and delicious.

Wine: Estancia Keyes Canyon Ranches
Variety: Merlot
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 88
Price: $14.00

Find Estancia Keyes Canyon Ranches Merlot with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.