Alexander Valley Vineyards Homestead Red Blend Merlot 2014

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Alexander Valley Vineyards

Fanciful Name: Homestead Red Blend

Varietal: Merlot

Vintage: 2014

Country of Origin: California

Appellation: Alexander Valley

Retail Price: $21.99

Tasting Notes: Merlot is the foundation for this delightful red blend. Each component’s vilified separately, and then winemaker Kevin Hall adds Zinfandel, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cab and Syrah to round out the blend. Lighter in style, very balanced, easy drinking, with concentrated fruit flavors. Oak aging for 13 months ties the whole package together. Very versatile wine for almost any food group, but fantastic with Texas BBQ.

Wine Rating System

Our reviewers are given a topic (varietal, drinking occasion, price) six times a year and asked to select 3-5 wines that fit that criteria for review. Wine reviews include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine’s retail price (which can vary from store to store and market to market). Unless noted otherwise, the price reflects a 750-ml. bottle. If you’re a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you’re interested in participating in the panel, please contact managing editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@epgmediallc.com or 203-855-8499 x2225.

FIVE STARS
*****
92-100
A Top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship.

FOUR STARS
****
86-91
A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back.

THREE STARS
***
80-85
An above-average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers enjoy.

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Alexander Valley Vineyards Homestead Red Blend Merlot 2014