Very few authorized wine merchants have today’s brilliant 2014 Grgich Merlot, but The Wine Spies who have enjoyed a close relationship with Grgich for a decade, were graced with a small allocation for our deserving Operatives.

Today’s uniquely delectable Grgich Hills Estate 2014 Estate Grown Napa Valley Merlot was made by Ivo Jeramaz, who learned his craft from the master himself, his famous uncle, Mike Grgich - whose Chardonnay famously won the groundbreaking “Judgment of Paris” 42 years ago. His was the first American wine to best the French in competition.

This Merlot has excellent color extraction with high density and a blood red core, leading to a bright ruby red lip. The nose of this wine is very intriguing with blackberry compote, tomato sauce, roasted red pepper, and black pepper with a subtle smokiness. The palate is a more traditional medley of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, currant and dried fig flavors. The tannins are very structured, with round edges that move across the palate horizontally like a two by four, covering the entire tongue from side to side as it moves towards the back of the mouth. Definitely a food wine: This wine would be best friends with a hearty bowl of penne with an Arrabbiata sauce.

The Napa Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is located in Napa County, California, United States. Napa Valley is considered one of the foremost wine regions in the world. Wine grapes thrive here, due to the combination of geography, the Mediterranean climate and geology of the region, which are perfect for wine grape growing. The region was established as a wine-growing region with its first commercial vineyard, which was planted in 1858.

This is a ready-to-enjoy wine that will only get better with a few years of aging. We suggest that you squirrel a few bottles away for the next 3 to 7 years. Enjoy them as you go - and see how beautifully this beautiful wine progresses.

Today’s wine is offered with our highest recommendation.