2015 Trentadue Winery La Storia Merlot Block 500 Alexander Valley 750 ml

Client Favorite La Storia’s Powerhouse Block 500

If you’re a lover of classic angular and structured Merlots from Bordeaux’s cool Right Bank — it’s time to get acquainted with Miro Tcholakov’s 2015 La Storia Merlot Block 500. It’s a lush, full-throttle Merlot whose gorgeous plum and vanilla notes and soft edges make it an unapologetic New World gem. Wine Access clients have proven to have a bottomless appetite for the over-delivering La Storia wines, which have been synonymous with Sonoma County since emerging from an iconic 208-acre vineyard in Alexander Valley half a century ago. Best-known for the famous “Old Patch” parcel that has consistently dazzled Robert Parker, Trentadue’s property includes Block 500, which has gained a reputation for turning out opulent full-bodied Merlot. This is a smart buy at the release price, but with 49% off, this is a downright steal. 2015 was the fourth in a string of stellar vintages in Sonoma County, resulting in a hedonistic powerhouse that will show you why Trentadue already boasts so many believers.

The late Leo Trentadue, despite his smashing success, was always a farmer at heart, and he saw the future in one of the most extraordinary and meticulously farmed Merlot parcels in Alexander Valley — and Block 500 has never disappointed. The vineyard produces rich and powerful Merlot that amounts to a softball over the plate for Trentadue winemaker Miro Tcholakov, who parlays that ripe fruit into a wine of beautiful concentration, smooth texture, and round and palate-staining tannins.

Allow us to save you the trouble of fussing over pairings: Grab a case of La Storia Merlot, invite the whole block, and pop some corks along with ribeyes, baby-back ribs, or Merlot Burgers: Combine diced red onions, generous salt, some pepper, a few pounds of the best grass-fed beef you can find, and one bottle (minus a glass for yourself) of one of the best Merlots that can be had for under $20.