What’s a WIA run without a COHO? A roaring Pacific river without salmon?!

Back in February, we asked the question “could this be our #1 Merlot of 2020 arriving early in the year?” Don’t think we needed to wait so long to call that fact out. Revisiting it recently, with some sweet bottle age, it’s now SPECTACULAR!

One of our all-time favorite producers, this is Coho’s sleekest release of this Napa Valley single vineyard yet. As the ripples from the past, we are in love all over again, and so you will be. We challenge you to put this up against the sexiest Pomerol you can get your hands on, blind, and try to like the Bordeaux more. It’s an impossibility.

Like a red velvet robe with ever-changing shadows in the light, from ruby to crimson to garnet. Alluring scents of fresh-picked plums and ripe strawberries smothered in the darkest chocolate are truly sublime on the nose. The palate then offers sweet, round, lush tannins with a cocoa powder grip on the blueberry to raspberry fruit spread. Mouthcoating, luxurious and full-bodied, this seriously endowed Merlot goes on and on and on. Calling the finish long is an understatement. For a perfect pairing, try chops! Lamb chops, a pork chop, tomahawk the bone-in ribeye, grilled onions, and peppers too.

From the can’t get enough of the spotlight up and coming Coombsville district known for its perfect soil and climate, this 2014 rendition of the Coho exclusive Michael Black Vineyard Merlot just blew our tasting panel away. Winemaking legend Philip Corallo-Titus of Chappellet and Titus fame concocted an utterly profound and delicious vintage here, as it screams “drink me” from the glass. A massive discount makes the irresistible impossible to resist here. Indulge yourself in this ultimate comfort red. Take your palate out for a joyride, it deserves to be pampered.

Vinous’ Antonio Galloni is a perennial fan; “all big, overt and totally delicious” says he, adding; “I have long enjoyed the Coho wines.”

So have we Antonio, so have we!

90 Points – Wine Spectator

“A ripe, brooding aroma leads into a well-knit basket of dark plum, dried fig and mocha flavors. Roasted chestnut notes show on the finish, with hints of bacon. Drink now through 2023.”