Mercer Estates Winery 2018 Small Lot Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $32

Of the six Platinum awards collected by the Mercer family last fall, three of those were for Merlot, including this Double Platinum from a vintage that some critics have called the best of since 2012. The 20 months in French oak and a dose of Petit Verdot (9%) provide baking spice and heft to an experience that swirls around notes of anise, clove, chili pepper and fruitiness of red plum and black cherry. Medium-plus tannins lead to a lovely and long finish to pair with suggested fare including Beef Tenderloin, lamb burgers and ratatouille. Qualifying award: San Francisco Chronicle (best of class, double gold)

Rating: Double Platinum • 95 points

Production: 350 cases

Alcohol: 14.5%

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