United States Wine Under $10

Displays classic Merlot attributes: bright, ripe black cherry and plum aromas with subtle notes of spice and chocolate; soft, juicy, balanced flavors; and a smooth, supple texture with well-rounded tannins and bright acidity. The wine's exceptional character comes from choice Central Coast grapes, primarily from Monterey County, a region that provides the temperate climate, cool breezes and moist alluvial soils that Merlot loves. We blended the Merlot with 19% Syrah for added color and richness, and enhanced the wine's pure fruit flavors with just a hint of oak for roundness and complexity. Enjoy this wine with wild mushroom pizza, spaghetti Bolognese, Cornish game hens, grilled beef or lamb shanks.

We barrel fermented 60% of this wine, and aged that portion in barrel for eight months, offering the wine a touch of brown spice and vanilla, while cold fermenting the remainder to maximize a fresh fruit-forward character. Bright lemon and apple aromas mingle with hints of toasty barrel complexity, and on the palate, pear and pineapple with spice and refreshing acidity will have you coming back for another glass. Enjoy this lively chardonnay now and over the next couple of years.