This wine is a line from the Hope Family that includes Liberty School, Treanna and a few other labels. By foregoing the restrictions of making a vintage wine, the Candor wines bring to the table a level of quality at affordable prices that might not be possible if it was bottled as a single vintage wine. A blend of 2008 and 2009 Merlot from Santa Barbara and Paso Robles, the older vintage adds a component of grace and smoothness while the 2009 brings a lively fresh attribute to the final product. Candor has created a new level of quality wines for educated consumers by forgoing the usual restrictions of specific vintage wines and creating a non-vintage wine that exceeds the expectations that one usually associates with a non-vintage product. This merlot is a versatile food friendly wine that does well with a broad spectrum of culinary applications and does fine as a standalone sipper. If this wine is not available on your favorite restaurant wine list or your retailer shelves, contact the winery to find out where it is available or order directly from the winery.

Rating: Very Good (87) | $18 | 14.5% ABV

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