Mer Soleil "Santa Lucia Highlands" Pinot Noir 2017
(Santa Lucia Highlands, California)

About the Winery:
The Mer Soleil Vineyard is named for the two natural forces that create its growing conditions: sea (mer) and sun (soleil). Founded by Charlie Wagner, who grew up in Rutherford and is named after his grandfather, Charles F. (Charlie) Wagner Sr., co-founder of Caymus Vineyards. The famous Wagner family is also the source of Belle Glos Pinot Noirs and Emmolo, from Charlie's daughter Jenny.

Their first vineyards were planted in the Santa Lucia Highlands in 1988. A 40-minute drive from Monterey, California, the land was previously ded­icated to row crops and cattle grazing. A small but exceptional appellation beginning about 20 miles from the coast, the Santa Lucia Highlands has a drama all its own, with morning fog, bright sunshine and howling gusts of afternoon wind.

90 Points - Vinous Media:
"Bright ruby-red. Cherry cola, black raspberry and candied rose scents are complemented by suggestions of roasted coffee, vanilla and star anise. Palate-coating red and blue fruit, mocha and spicecake flavors show very good depth and take on a spicy aspect with aeration. Clings strongly on the long, smoky finish, which is given shape by subtle, well-knit tannins. Definitely on the rich side as Pinot goes, but there's unlikely energy here as well. " - Josh Raynolds (Nov 2019)

Wine Enthusiast Magazine:
"Cooked berry and cherry aromas meet with slate and turned loam on the nose of this bottling. Dark-berry flavors blend with campfire smoke and more rich earth on the palate." - Matt Kettmann (3/1/2019)