3 Badge Enology 'Leese-Fitch' Merlot, California, USA 2018 Anjou and tension define this wine

and tension define this wine — a benchmark Riserva with remarkable aging potential

something like pear

This is a textbook version of the wines from this zone

The Récolte Noire certainly has all those characteristics along with a toastiness and elegance of fruit that resembles fresh raspberry or strawberry

but also green chillies and black pepper

3 Badge Enology 'Leese-Fitch' Merlot, California, USA 2018 Anjou and tension define this wineThe 2018 Leese Fitch Merlot is bright and inviting with aromas of ripe red fruits; raspberry, cherry and pomegranate. Additional aromas of red currants, clove spice and sweet vanilla lead to a medium bodied, juicy palate. Layers of juicy fruit flavors, black olive and notes of dried lavender add complexity. The wine is rich with incredibly smooth tannins all underpinned with good acidity leaving a long, flavorful finish.