2023 Emme Wines It's Not a Phase Merlot, Russian River Valley, USA

When not working as the assistant winemaker to Pax Mahle, Rosalind Reynolds has her own small label named after her grandmother, Emme. She focuses on sourcing fruit from organically farmed vineyards in California that she has strong relationships with. This Merlot is a nod to pre-1990s California, deft but softer touch with plummy notes and a touch of earth. This is Pinot drinkers Merlot, give it a try.