Livermore, California, United States
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California's premier wine country destinations. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines.
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Sandstone Merlot
| SKU | 171025 |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Livermore Valley, CA |
| Type | Red |
| Varietal | Blend - Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot |
| Listing | Speculative |
| Case Config. | 12x750ml |
| Available In | BC AB MB |
Colour
Deep rich red.
Aroma
Aromas and flavours of black cherry and plum with hints of black tea and toasted oak.
Flavour
Smooth mouthful and inviting tannins lead to a long, fruity finish.
Food Pairing
Poultry, red meat, pork, pastas and salads, this Merlot can handle them all well.
More Info
Wente Vineyards, established in 1883. Is the country's oldest continuously operated family owned winery. Our Sandstone Merlot is estate grown and sustainably farmed in the Livermore Valley. With warm days and cool nights, well drained rocky soils, and incoming breezes from the San Francisco Bay, it is an ideal region to grow outstanding Merlot.
Wine Enthusiast, Nov/2024
2021 -
BEST BUY "When done right, Merlot can be an extremely pleasurable experience, as expressed in this widely available and affordable bottling. Cherry, woodspice and cocoa aromas are clean and direct on the nose. The palate is joyous with red cherry, cedar and berry sorbet flavors."
Food & Wine, Aug/2023
2021 -
"From the respected and certified-sustainable producer, this Merlot shows the plummier side of the variety, yet there is enough earth through to balance out that ripeness. Spiced black cherries and currants mingle with vanilla and chocolate, making this wine perfect to enjoy alongside saucy BBQ. It’s a very solid value."
The Tasting Panel Magazine, Jul/2022
2020 -
“Black currant, chocolate, and espresso surround the palate with substantial grip. Oak-kissed and overflowing with ripeness and balanced acidity, this juicy red is as pleasurable as it is food friendly.”
Alberta Beverage Awards 2020
2017 -
Top value
Wine Enthusiast, Dec/2019
2016 -
"This nicely concentrated wine offers plenty of blackberry and black cherry interlaced with oak spices that add vanilla and cinnamon nuances. It's rich and velvety in texture."
Los Angeles International Wine Awards 2018
2015 -
Best of Class & Gold Medal
The Tasting Panel, Jul/2019
2015 -
"Well-drained sandstone soils on an estate hillside site lend their name to this aromatic red. Merlot (85%) is co-fermented separately with Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon and then aged for 24 months in neutral French and Eastern European oak barrels. The aromas are remarkable: Dark cherry, sweet tobacco, cocoa, and nutmeg are thoroughly engaging. Unique flavors of spiced pumpkin, persimmon, and ripe strawberry lead to earth tones. Bright acidity and round tannins make this a pleasurable sipper."
Alberta Beverage Awards 2018
2015 -
Best of Class
Doug Sloan, Red wines make great gifts…, Campbell River Mirror, Dec/2017
2014 -
"Grown in the Livermore Valley, east of San Francisco, the grapes that make up Wente Sandstone Merlot (171025) $21.99 are harvested, fermented and aged separately before they are blended together. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Petite Verdot are added to the blend. Expect to be captivated by the aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, blackberry and fig with wisps of toast, caramel, and spice."
Alameda County Wine Competition, Jun/2016
2013 -
Gold Medal
Mundus Vini International Wine Awards, Mar/2017
2013 -
Grand Gold
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2017
2013 -
Gold Medal
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2016
2012 -
Silver Medal
San Francisco International Wine Competition 2016
2012 -
Gold Medal
Los Angeles International Wine Awards 2016
2012 -
Silver Medal
California State Fair, Jun/2015
2012 -
Silver Medal