14 Hands Merlot (75cl, 13.5%)

14 Hands Merlot is a fruit-forward red wine from Columbia Valley, Washington State, produced by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. The blend is 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah, fermented for 7 to 10 days in stainless-steel fermenters and aged in American and French oak barrels. The 2010 vintage earned Wine Spectator's American Value Red distinction in October 2012. The nose shows ripe blackberry, dark plum, sweet cherry and roasted mocha. The palate is smooth with black cherry and blackberry, mocha undertones and firm tannins, finishing medium to long with berry and cocoa notes.