Charles Krug Merlot 2015

The wine is fine, with good weight to the palate, but the 14.7% alcohol jumps in front and stares you in the face before you can enjoy the blueberry and vanilla notes along with the slightest hint of earth. It's a very Mondavi-style wine in that the heavy oak and high alcohol here is what made them famous in the first place. 

While this is 100% varietal and entirely fermented in stainless steel, it opens with a vibrant note of green apple. That apple quality gives way on the palate to light grassy peach and nectarine, finishing crisp and clean.

 A complex Merlot with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, mocha, and toasty oak. Finishes with impressive length and a satisfying acidity which would make this wine an excellent pairing with grilled meats, heavier pasta dishes, and hearty stews.