Merlot Vertical - 2018, 2019, 2020, and Newly Released 2021

Merlot Vertical – 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021
Still Waters Vineyards – El Pomar Paso Robles

“With the rain in L.A. tonight, I cracked open our last bottle of your 2012 Merlot. I think it can best be described as a religious experience. I vacuum sealed the last 5 oz. or so, to try the next day. Then I ended up working late and forgot about it ‘til now. Ten days later and it’s still phenomenal. I don’t know what you’re doing to make that happen, but I’m equally shocked and impressed and am pretty sure you are going to be my only supplier of Merlot going forward.” ~ David D., wine club member from Los Angeles

Autry Cellars is proud to share a four-bottle vertical of our Merlot from Still Waters Vineyards in the El Pomar region of the Paso Robles. This offering includes our 2018, 2019, 2020, and newly released 2021 wines and will have limited availability. Once it is gone, it is gone.

Verticals are a great way to dig into a grape variety. By offering four bottles, from consecutive years, produced by the same farmer, and from the same vineyard, you can learn first-hand, or first tastebud, how growing conditions can change the flavor profile of the wine.

Our 2018 is your fireplace wine. Cozy up by the fire with your glass, good friends, and good food. Flavors of spice, black pepper, caramel, and mixed berries. This would pair well with aged cheeses, grilled meats like roast pork, or a hearty stew. Aged 3 years on American oak, 33 cases produced.

The 2019 Merlot is ruby in color, oak and berry on the nose, with a spicy front. You’ll note black cherry and tobacco within the tannic structure. Pairs well with heavier meats like brisket, rib eye and flat iron steak, or delightful with a nice goat cheese. Aged in American oak for 2 years. 63 cases produced.

Our 2020 Merlot is garnet red in color, and combines subtle hints of oak and berry. With a slightly spicy front, the tannic structure supports additional flavors of black cherry and tobacco. Pairs well with a heavier meat like flat iron steak and would be delightful with an herbed goat cheese. Aged in American oak for 2 years, 37 cases produced.

The newly released 2021 Merlot is different than previous years’, having tart cherry and olallieberry flavors. Medium-bodied with oak and coconut on the finish. Pairs well with pork loin, spicy sausage, fruit tartlets and compotes. Aged in American oak for 6 months, 35 cases produced.

These four wines together would be the highlight of any dinner party; guests will explore how each vintage provides a unique flavor profile while maintaining the distinct taste of Merlot.