Carter Truchard Merlot 2009

Tasting Notes: Heralding from the famous Truchard vineyard in Carneros (Napa side), this old vine head trained Merlot reaches levels of concentration not normally found from this region. Crystallized dark raspberry fruit intermixed with baking spices and hints of saddle leather form a base of flavors that are wrapped in a velvet glove of tannin and concentration. The mid palate of this wine is its signature. Pure notes of red currants and a slight earthiness give way to a rush of vibrant acidity that frames the mouth from the entry to the finish. True to its varietal, there is not any astringency to be found on the finish which travels effortlessly over the palate carrying chocolate covered cherry notes and a slight white pepper component into a mile long finish. This wine will benefit from a few years in the cellars but who can wait when it’s this approachable in its youth.