Reviews & Ratings

2003 Pietra Santa Merlot

Winery: Pietra Santa

Vintage: 2003

Wine Name/Vineyard:

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 92% Merlot & 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Cienega Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $15

Cases produced: 3,000

KWG Score: 85.6 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89.99-87)

Review date: July 8, 2007

Wine Review: This wine was very attractive to many of the panel members in our blind tasting of "valued priced" Merlots. The reason it attracted some much attention, is because it was way more structured and hearty that most of the competition at this price level. This was a big red. This wine opens with very appealing blueberry aroma’s and a touch of oak on the nose. On the palate, this wine is a real fruit bomb. One taster (me) commented that it almost tasted like a Zinfandel. This hearty wine has plenty of acidity and was well liked by the tasters who prefer big and bold red wine. The panel felt this wine would be best on its own, as opposed to with food. The finish is dry and a bit extended. Enjoy – KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: Our 2003 Estate Merlot displays luscious black cherry, raspberry, and plum flavors with hints of cedar and a long, persistent finish. The wine is full-bodied, rich and ripe with good extract while maintaining excellent balance. It can be enjoyed now but also has the structure and acidity to age well. A perfect match for roasted meat or game.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Merlot.