Everything You Think You Know About Merlot Is Wrong

Giornata Gemellaia Paso Robles 2023 Link to Purchase Wine: https://www.winex.com/giornata-gemellaia-paso-robles-2023.html Join our Daily Email Offer List: https://cdn.forms-content.sg-form.com/f3da488a-d10b-11ee-94a3-62718bdc6118 Maybe it's finally time to get over Sideways. Giornata's 2023 Gemella makes a pretty convincing argument. Brian and Stephanie Terrizzi built Giornata by stubbornly pursuing something that once sounded almost absurd: world-class Italian-inspired wines from Paso Robles. Over the years the wines kept getting better, and today they're among California's most compelling specialists in varieties like Nebbiolo and Fiano. But in the long, cool 2023 vintage, the Merlot from Margarita Vineyard was apparently so good that they made a dramatic decision. Gemella, historically a Merlot-based blend that included Sangiovese, would become 100% Merlot. Only six barrels, roughly 150 cases, were produced. The result is a reminder of why Merlot became enormously popular in the first place. Think Cabernet with the edges polished: black cherry, cocoa dust, velvety texture, juicy fruit and tenderness, but with real vibrancy and energy from 2023's extended growing season. Vinous' Eric Guido awarded it 96 points, calling it “simply stunning” and saying no Merlot fan should be without it. Wine Advocate's Matthew Luczy awarded 95+ points, describing it as an “absolutely transcendent expression of the variety.” With a winery retail around $75 and an even more compelling Wine Exchange price waiting when you click through, this is one of those tiny-production California wines that reminds us why great Merlot deserves to be taken seriously again.