Give $20, Get $20. Refer a Friend Today!

Wines of Substance 2013 'Super Substance' Stoneridge Vineyard Merlot

Wines of Substance 2013 'Super Substance' Stoneridge Vineyard Merlot

93 Points, Editors' Choice!
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast
93 Points, Editors' Choice!
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast

Mission Codename All About Me

Elementary, our dear Operatives, is what this Merlot is, over and beyond being a substantial deal. On the Periodic Table of Grapes, the atomic weight here is massive with unctuous intensity. Well, of course, it is as expected with Charles Smith’s masterful wizardry of taking on any variety and elevating it to a lever only a few Washingtonians have yet to reach. We are in essence giving this single-vineyard treasure away at nearly half off.

Bright garnet hue on the wide rim mellowing into a deeply luminous burgundy, to a crimson core. A dizzying interplay of red and black berries defines the nose, with smoky, meaty nuances adding complexity. On the palate, it’s dripping with juicy ripe cherries over refined sweet cocoa powder tannins providing texture. Remarkably long and seamless for a Merlot, straddling serious depth with playful fruitiness, this is simply outstanding. A well-seared steak would work perfectly as a pairing, especially if with red cabbage kraut and blackcurrant mustard.

WA state is the next frontier for most impressive reds of all kinds, with a momentous reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot. Of all the winemakers that were instrumental in building this status, Charles Smith is one of the top names with many “cult” wines under his belt through many 98-100 point reviews. He is, by definition, a hitmaker. Literally, as he managed rock bands prior to rocking the wine world with his whimsically artful labels and bold wines within. “One thing I brought with me from the Rock and Roll days was my attitude,” he says.

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate - “A substantial change with the K Vintners/Charles Smith wines is the separation of the Rhone blends and the Bordeaux blends. Going forward, all Bordeaux blends will be released under the Wines of Substance label. The 2013 Super Substance Merlot Stoneridge offers a full-bodied, sexy, gorgeously textured style to go with lots of black currants, plums, graphite and licorice. There’s a scant 500 cases produced, but it’s a beautiful Merlot that will drink well for 10-12 years. Drink 2016-2028.”

93 Points, Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast - “There’s no question about the variety, with its jazzy aromas of raspberries, blackberries and graphite that lead to plump plush layered fruit flavors. It brings an unabashed sense of deliciousness, with a finish that won’t quit.”

Read Full Review
Hide Full Review

What the Winery Says 2013 'Super Substance' Stoneridge Vineyard Merlot

Wines of Substance
Wines of Substance
Winemaker
Charles Smith
Varietals
100% Merlot
Vintage
2013
Appellation
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington
Vineyard
Stoneridge Vineyard
Alcohol
15%
Soils
Koehler loamy fine sand over cemented silica
Vine age
Planted in 2003
Yield
2 tons/acre
Fermentation
100% whole berry, 45 days on skins
Total acidity
6.0 g/L
pH
3.7
Aging:
22 months in 70% new French barriques

About the Winery Wines of Substance

Wines of Substance Winemaker Charles Smith
Wines of Substance Winemaker Charles Smith
Wines of Substance 2013 'Super Substance' Stoneridge Vineyard Merlot 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Dec 05, 2019 at 11:59 pm
Register to get notified when this wine is back in stock:
Sign Up For Free
Wines of Substance 2013 'Super Substance' Stoneridge Vineyard Merlot 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Dec 05, 2019 at 11:59 pm
Register to get notified when this wine is back in stock:
Sign Up For Free