Merlot has been fighting a rather unfortunate reputation since 2004 - amazing what one line in a movie can do to a varietal. If you haven’t gathered, Sweet Cheeks Winery is a team of underdogs - if you aren’t sure what we mean, you should check out our blogs! Our Merlot is the underdog of the red wines - so we encourage you to give it a try and revive this incredible varietal. 

A Note from Winemaker, Leo Gabica

“We sourced our Merlot from partner vineyards in Southern Oregon - Serra Vineyards and Gentry Vineyards in the Applegate Valley AVA. Both are family owned and put tremendous care into their vineyards. For our Merlot, I like to use hybrid barrels. The staves, or the middle part of the barrel, are American oak. The heads of the barrel are French oak. This would equate to 75% American oak and 25% French oak. For the 2017 Merlot I used 18% new oak, so you will get a whisper of oak, but the flavor profile will have primarily dark berries and hints of spice. The texture of this wine will be smooth and luxurious.”

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For many of us at the winery, the flavor profile of this wine reminds us of the holiday season. It evokes feelings of being surrounded by those you love, fresh baked pies, warm spices dancing through the air. We also invite you to enjoy this wine in the heat of summer with freshly picked berries that are baked into a tart or galette. Our 2017 Merlot also pairs with a delicious slow-cooked roast or grilled lamb.