Charles Smith Merlot Washington State “The Velvet Devil” 2016

Producer notes: “89% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec. When Hollywood’s surprise hit Sideways suddenly spawned anti-Merlot sentiments everywhere, Charles set out to rebuff the movie’s unflattering depiction of this great varietal. One sip of this bold, sultry creation and you’ll know he succeeded at making Merlot sexy again. As advertized, this smooth Merlot offers pure velvet, deep and delicious black fruit, cedar, tobacco and cassis. It conveys concentrated richness and yet purity and focus. It’s so good that it appears the devil made Charles do it. A great pairing with burgers with all the fixins, grilled steak and anything with bacon.”