Thin light translucent golden red.  So thin.  Literally HALF of the Pinots that cross my desk are darker than this.  I’ve seen Paso rosé darker than this.  Big nutty bell pepper and briar carried on rich sweet fruit and a high volatile clove note punctuated with clay mud.

This kinda goes back to the Hitching Post Syrah story a couple days ago… All those famous Pinots and I’m glowing about the $20 Syrah.  In this case, it’s:  Get invited to the annual Au Bon Climat/Qupé open house and sale up in Bien Nacido at the winery, taste ridiculous unobtanium ABC Pinots and Qupé Syrahs all day and……. come home with armfulls of Makor Merlot.  One of my favorite wines emanating from that building, it has been made by Jim Adelman for many years.  I feel like there is perhaps a charity attached to the sales.  I was turned on to it probably 15 years ago by an industry friend with deep ties to the Bien Nacido property, and only recently have seen it popping up in retail.  It is a grand move, as it is a FABULOUS bottle of Merlot, and DIRT CHEAP.  There is a Sangiovese too.

In the mouth, more bright clean texture.  Not particularly profound, but solid cherry fruit, clean beautiful acid with a bit of burn rising from the intensely peppery finish.

I’ve heard rumors of this being available in select markets nation-wide, which means it is being repped and graduated considerably from its former almost *friends & family* distribution status.  OR you can always call THIS GUY and he will ship you as much as you want.  Oh and did I mention I love the label?

2013 MAKOR Merlot ‘Westside’ Bien Nacido Santa Maria Valley Santa Barbara County 13.5

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