Matanzas Creek, founded in 1977 in Sonoma County’s at-the-time remote Bennett Valley, built its reputation on merlot and sauvignon blanc. Presently, the winery releases five separate bottlings of each of those grape varieties, as well as a bit of chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir. Since October is Merlot Month (#MerlotMe), I’ll focus today on the Matanzas Creek Merlot 2018, Alexander Valley. The wine aged 533 days (!) in French oak, 32 percent new barrels. I’ve never seen a producer list length of aging in days, a device that seems counterintuitive. Anyway, the color is opaque ruby-purple with a transparent magenta rim; florid aromas of ripe black currants and raspberries are permeated by notes of iodine, mint and graphite, lavender and bittersweet chocolate; a few moments in the glass bring out touches of woody spices like cloves and allspice; the wine is quite dry, animated by keen acidity for a lively mouth-feel, and juicy with black fruit flavors, abetted by hints of blueberry and pomegranate; dusty, velvety tannins provide support and lend some austerity to the finish. 13.8 percent alcohol. Now through 2024 to ’26. Winemaker was Marcia Torres Forno. The winery, part of Jackson Family Wines, is certified sustainable. Excellent.

Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of forest floor, thyme and rosemary, licorice and black fruits. In the mouth, gorgeous, powdery tannins wrap around a core of black cherry, blackberry, dried and fresh green herbs. Wonderful bright acidity and freshness still. Outstanding. 14.2% alcohol. Tasted out of magnum.

The Tenuta Di Arceno Strada al Sasso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017 is the result of a new chianti classico designation implemented in 2014. This classification is a level above riserva and requires slightly higher minimum alcohol levels and six months more aging than riserva. Tenuta Di Arceno is sourced from one vineyard on their estate and is 100% sangiovese. The result is a complex chianti classico featuring fresh and dried cherries and plums with hints of earth and leather.

The Tenuta Di Arceno Chianti Classico Riserva 2017, however, displays a deeper, richer quality with softer and riper plum and cherry fruit notes. It is 90% sangiovese and 10% cabernet sauvignon. Very elegant.

The Tenuta Di Arceno Chianti Classico 2018 is crafted from 85% sangiovese and 15 percent merlot grapes and presents youthful fresh fruit notes of fresh cherries. The merlot softens the sangiovese acidity to make a very agreeable package.

You Had Me at MerlotFor good measure, we included a Bordeaux wine with some age on it, the 2012 Chateau Lassègue Saint Émilion Grand Cru, an opulent wine with brooding aromas of violets on the nose and classic blackberries and herbal notes.

If I get my hands on another bottle of the 2017 Chateau Lassègue Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, I’m going to set it aside for a while. First, it’s plenty special for a special occasion. Second, I would love to see what it becomes. This is not to say the wine isn’t beautiful now, and indeed ready to drink; for a wine this young, it is exceptionally balanced and complete.But two hours after I opened it, those waves of lush fruit that had been prominent at the outset folded more thoroughly into the mouth filling, lush tannins. Minerals emerged on the long finish, decorated with warm florals. Yes, if I can get my hands on another one, I hope I can get my hands on two: I’ll share one with good friends now, and the other some time in the future.

Elegant, enthralling, enigmatic, engaging… and easy to adore.

Authenticity returns in this classic rendition of a 1970s-style Tuscan red with a balanced aroma of red fruit, dried tomato, trace of licorice and Turkish tobacco.The gorgeous dry/tart mid-palate makes it ideal for pairing with grilled chicken, tomato-sauced seafood, and lots of other medium-weight foods.

Wines to be thankful for at ThanksgivingHungry for red with your turkey or ham? Choose one with smooth tannins. Keep the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for red meats. But Pinot Noir would be an ideal choice. A recent discovery of a perfect Thanksgiving Wine is the 2018 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.The Sonoma Coast AVA is one of the largest in Sonoma Country and stretches along the mountainous coastline of the Pacific Ocean. The strong maritime climate provides a cool growing climate throughout the year, essential for producing premium Pinot Noir.The elegant La Crema reveals black cherry, boysenberry, and plum, along with earthiness, vanilla, and cinnamon. These complex aromas transition into multi-layers of flavours with silky tannins, a creamy texture balanced with crisp acidity, and a long fruity but dry finish.

Whoa, mama! This is what I call a serious Merlot. It’s powerful, plush and luxurious, showing dark cherries, some dried herbs and bittersweet chocolate. This tastes expensive and it delivers the “wow” with every sip.

Touchdown this Tailgating Season with our Game Winning Wine PicksThe winemaking team at La Crema has been perfecting Chardonnay for 40 years, and it shows. The 2019 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is flavorful, bright, and juicy, making it an ideal pairing for a wide variety of cheese-centric Sunday snacks - plus, it’s incredibly easy to find at your local grocery store while you’re out hunting for game day supplies. For a low-key pairing, kick back with a bowl of cheese-its or some warm, gooey queso with chips. If you’re looking to take things up a notch, try dungeness crab mac and cheese or honeycrisp apple pizza with balsamic onions.

Medium garnet in the glass, with purple highlights, this wine smells of cherry and even darker berry flavors. In the mouth, a touch of raisin character mixes with cherry and cranberry compote. Faint, putty-like tannins. Decent acidity. Slightly overripe for my palate. 14.2% alcohol. Closed with a screwcap.

Light to medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherries. In the mouth, bright cherry and sour cherry fruit have a muscular, powdery tannic texture and bright citrusy acidity that keeps things vibrant on the palate. Quite tasty.

Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry and pomegranate. In the mouth sweetish cherry and pomegranate flavors have a wonderful brightness thanks to excellent acidity. There’s a hint of herbs and the tiniest hint of fresh jalapeño greenness in the finish, along with faint tannins.

Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of raspberry and cranberry fruit with a hint of dried herbs. In the mouth, bright raspberry fruit is dusted with powdery tannins and the scents of dried herbs and orange peel. Excellent acidity keeps the wine bright and juicy. Hints of cedar enter the finish.

Light gold in the glass with a hint of green, this wine smells of lemon curd and cold cream. In the mouth, silky flavors of lemon curd and cold cream have a nice zippy brightness to them thanks to excellent acidity. Lemon peel and a touch of herbs linger in the finish.

Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of cherry and citrus pith. In the mouth, bright berry and citrus peel mix with Ranier cherries and a touch of tropical fruit. Excellent acidity and brightness, with a faint salinity. Quite delicious.

Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cedar and cherries. In the mouth, somewhat flat cherry flavors mix with cedar and hints of herbs. Faint tannins buff the edges of the mouth. Needs more acidity and more complexity, but there’s nothing wrong with these flavors.

Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry cordials. In the mouth, rich and sweet cherry and slightly bitter herbs mix with cedar and tacky, muscular tannins. Good acidity, but comes across as a bit too brawny.

Medium purple in the glass, this wine smells of dried flowers including lavender, and dark cherry fruit. In the mouth, slightly sweet cherry and black raspberry fruit has a nice brightness thanks to very good acidity, but also a sweet density that will appeal to those who like their Pinots dark and intense. Well balanced, though, for all that richness.

Light to medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cranberry and cherry fruit. In the mouth, silky flavors of cherry and raspberry mix with a darker, earthier carob note that blends with the faint dusty dried herbs on the palate. Barely perceptible tannins. Very good acidity. Pretty.

Light to medium garnet in color, this wine smells of sweet cherry compote. In the mouth, juicy and bright cherry and raspberry fruit flavors are dusted with faint tannins and touched with a hint of citrus peel and dried flowers. Very pretty, with excellent acidity and length.

Pale greenish-gold in color, this wine smells of oak and lemon pith. In the mouth, lemon curd, vanilla, and the toasty notes of oak have a nice clarity and brightness to them, thanks to very good acidity. Silky and smooth on the palate, I wish I tasted less wood here.