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Mer Soleil Reserve Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2017
Inaugural release! Inaugural Pinot Noir from Mer Soleil! A rich, deep red – the color of Bing cherries – this wine opens with scents of dark berries, pomace, and the woodiness of a hiking path in a redwood forest. Soft, powdery traces of old-fashioned lipstick add an intriguing element to the nose. Entry is smooth, with bright cherry flavors and a “berry basket” of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Pomace and brown spice infuse the palate, which is round and coats the mouth. An initial flash of fruit gives way to soft tannins, natural acidity, and an evocative earthy character. The finish is unusually long, with hints of cranberry adding an unexpected note to the mix of this wine’s many layers. Mer Soleil, meaning "sea and sun," takes its name from our coastal setting, where sunny skies mix with gusting maritime winds. This wine is produced from hillside vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, whose dramatic weather provides ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir.
Ratings on Delectable
Sipping Fine Wine 
Mer Soleil named after the two forces of nature – “the sea and sun.” Grapes sourced from vineyards in the southern and middle areas of Santa Lucia Highlands, deep Ruby with youthful aromas of red fruits and smoky pepper spice. On the palate flavors of cranberry, raspberry and cherry with toasty baking spice, savory, good mouthfeel. Medium+ finish, fine tannins well integrated ending with fruit and a toasty spice character.
Mer Soleil named after the two forces of nature – “the sea and sun.” Grapes sourced from vineyards in the southern and middle areas of Santa Lucia Highlands, deep Ruby with youthful aromas of red fruits and smoky pepper spice. On the palate flavors of cranberry, raspberry and cherry with toasty baking spice, savory, good mouthfeel. Medium+ finish, fine tannins well integrated ending with fruit and a toasty spice character.
9.1Sipping Fine Wine
Mer Soleil named after the two forces of nature – “the sea and sun.” Grapes sourced from vineyards in the southern and middle areas of Santa Lucia Highlands, deep Ruby with youthful aromas of red fruits and bits of smoky pepper spice. On the palate flavors of cranberry, raspberry and tart cherry with toasty pepper spice, savory, good mouthfeel. Medium+ finish, fine tannins well integrated ending with fruit and a toasty oak character. Tasting Sample!
Mer Soleil named after the two forces of nature – “the sea and sun.” Grapes sourced from vineyards in the southern and middle areas of Santa Lucia Highlands, deep Ruby with youthful aromas of red fruits and bits of smoky pepper spice. On the palate flavors of cranberry, raspberry and tart cherry with toasty pepper spice, savory, good mouthfeel. Medium+ finish, fine tannins well integrated ending with fruit and a toasty oak character. Tasting Sample!
9.0Sipping Fine Wine
Mer Soleil named after the two forces of nature – “the sea and sun.” Grapes sourced from vineyards in the southern and middle areas of Santa Lucia Highlands, deep Ruby with youthful aromas of red fruits and bits of smoky pepper spice. On the palate flavors of cranberry, raspberry and tart cherry with toasty pepper spice, savory, good mouthfeel. Medium+ finish, fine tannins well integrated ending with fruit and a toasty oak character. Tasting Sample!
Mer Soleil named after the two forces of nature – “the sea and sun.” Grapes sourced from vineyards in the southern and middle areas of Santa Lucia Highlands, deep Ruby with youthful aromas of red fruits and bits of smoky pepper spice. On the palate flavors of cranberry, raspberry and tart cherry with toasty pepper spice, savory, good mouthfeel. Medium+ finish, fine tannins well integrated ending with fruit and a toasty oak character. Tasting Sample!
9.0
Matt Sterr
Somewhat smoky with a bitter earth note.
Somewhat smoky with a bitter earth note.
8.6
Michelle Richards
2017
2017
9.1
Colin Cahoon
Nose is rhubarb pie, cinnamon, American oak, and eucalyptus. More oak, rhubarb and cinnamon on the palate along with bright cherry. Low tannins, sky high alcohol, and high acid. Too damn hot. Note to SLH wineries, pinot noir simply can’t sustain alcohol levels this high. Please stop it.
Nose is rhubarb pie, cinnamon, American oak, and eucalyptus. More oak, rhubarb and cinnamon on the palate along with bright cherry. Low tannins, sky high alcohol, and high acid. Too damn hot. Note to SLH wineries, pinot noir simply can’t sustain alcohol levels this high. Please stop it.
8.4
Hillary Johnson
Deep ruby, earthy with spice and cranberry
Deep ruby, earthy with spice and cranberry
8.9
Bob Irwin
Really smooth and flavorful, complimented grilled lamb chops to perfection.
Really smooth and flavorful, complimented grilled lamb chops to perfection.
9.1
Marc Melser
We had the 2017 Vintage on 5/21-22/21. This is a fruit forward CA PN. Certainly darker in color and taste compared to Sonoma or Oregon. Tastes of black cherry, candied raspberry and a touch of cocoa. A smooth finish to a wine with good value.
We had the 2017 Vintage on 5/21-22/21. This is a fruit forward CA PN. Certainly darker in color and taste compared to Sonoma or Oregon. Tastes of black cherry, candied raspberry and a touch of cocoa. A smooth finish to a wine with good value.
8.6
Mindy Harkless
Great! Brought by Dave to share with a wonderful lamb dinner
Great! Brought by Dave to share with a wonderful lamb dinner
9.5
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.