Smoked, savoury, earthy.
Complex, silky, polished.
I've been reviewing Painted Rock's wines for a decade, they were impressive from the onset but as the vines have matured they've only gotten better. Thanks to the site, the Skinner family's painstaking planning and vine selection, and direction of international winemaker and viticulturist, Alain Sutre, the wines are receiving international attention.
The 2017 Merlot was matured 18 months in 30% new French oak barrels. This vintage began slower than 2016, with a cool and wet spring delaying bud burst slightly. Those delays didn’t last long with the first official day of summer bringing with it a warm, dry summer with temperatures above average and below average rainfall. The result was small berries, ripe, complex and with deep concentration; smaller berries means lower juice yield and an overall smaller harvest.
Expect plums and red currents, vanilla, pipe tobacco, savoury spices and leather with velvety undertones of sweet cherry and purple flowers. It has a silky palate and supple weight with notable buoyancy. Complex and elegant the tannins are polished but still youthful and a bit dominating. Decant now or cellar up to a decade.
Rich Meats , Cheese - Hard/Aged, Good First Impressions, Cellar Keepers, French Food
©copyright 2026 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - 2021-04-21 15:37:45.0
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