Beringer Founders Estate Merlot (75cl, 13.8%)

A California red wine based on Merlot, blended with small amounts of Petite Syrah and Zinfandel. Beringer Vineyards sources the Founders Estate wines from vineyards across the Central Coast, North Coast, Lodi and the California Delta. The diverse microclimates contribute depth, elegance and layered fruit concentration, while the Petite Syrah and Zinfandel add roasted coffee, darker plum and chocolate dimensions. The aroma opens with cedar and wild black plum, then boysenberry, brown spice and subtle herbal undertones. The palate is plush with blueberry and blackberry, moving into dark chocolate and roasted coffee, with ripe plum, soft spice and vanilla. The finish is medium in length, smooth and round, with boysenberry and baking spice, plus a faint tannic grip from the Petite Syrah.