A wonderful, budget-friendly surprise, today’s 2009 Hook & Ladder Estate Bottled Merlot is a delightful wine that our tasting panel really enjoyed.

This flavor-filled Merlot has plenty of structure, but it is also very approachable and very food friendly. With a bright acidity, this wine is a very flexible companion for even the most complex pairings. We enjoyed ours with spicy Italian Sausage ravioli with a spicy Arrabbiata sauce. The acidity of the Merlot was the perfect palate cleanser, between bites.

Merlot is made for food, and today’s wine is an obvious, affordable choice for even your most complex dishes. That said, though, we have to say that this wine is also just as excellent all on its own.

Enjoy this delicious wine now, but be sure to cellar a few bottles for the next several years. It should continue to improve with proper aging.