What most viewers didn't realize was that, as much as Miles derided the variety, the prized wine of his collection-a 1961 Château Cheval Blanc-is made from a blend of Merlot with Cabernet Franc.įine examples of California Merlot-either as a single varietal wine or as part of a blend-can be found from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, the Central Coast and most regions around the state. From there, the variety’s lush drinkability led to a surge in popularity, then overplanting (some of it on unsuitable sites) and finally a backlash that was turbo-charged by the infamous 2004 film, Sideways. These trend-setting bottles opened the eyes of others in the California wine scene and spurred increased plantings.
It wasn’t until the 1970’s when producers like Louis Martini, Sterling and Matanzas Creek-influenced by European Merlot blends-began crafting single varietal versions. Merlot arrived relatively late to the California wine scene. These qualities make it an ideal blending partner for Cabernet, the two complementing each other throughout. While it bears similarities to Cabernet Sauvignon (its half-sibling), it tends to be lower in both acidity and tannins, giving Merlot wines a mouthfeel that is often perceived as soft, round and plush. Today the fourth most widely planted red variety in the state, Merlot has much to offer. Red wine with balanced flavors of blueberry, raspberry and milk chocolate. "American Winery of the Year" – Wine Enthusiast, 2021 One 750 ml wine bottle of Josh Cellars Merlot. Today, he lives with his dog Molly and frequently gets visits from his daughter Cailen at their home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. After years of hard work, he left it all behind to pursue his dream: starting his own wine company, making wines from California. He spent a decade serving as a world-class sommelier followed by another decade as a wine industry executive. Joseph discovered a passion for wine at an early age, starting off as a wine steward at a local restaurant in upstate New York, where he was raised. Sourced from across California’s great winegrowing regions, every vintage represents a labor of love, a commitment to quality, and a very personal promise to make great wine, in honor of Josh. The brand started with one varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon, and today features a diverse portfolio of well-balanced and delicious wines made to exacting standards. Josh Cellars was created in 2007 by vintner Joseph Carr as a tribute to his dad, Josh.
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