Get excited for the newest vintage of a multiple award-winning Merlot by Monarch Glen Vintners. Their 2017 vintage earned them a double gold, a gold, AND two silver medals. Then along came the 2018 vintage and they struck gold again—93-point gold—so expect the same head-turning flavors in their newest edition. This red wine is bold and fruity with medium to full-bodied feel and delicious flavor notes of plum, dark berry, red cherry, and a hint of butterscotch, caramel, and vanilla from aging in barrels. Merlot, which means “little blackbird” in French, is one of those prolific and prestigious grapes. It is a dark purple color, is the most planted grape in the famed winemaking region of Bordeaux, France, and is often used in blends. In California, where vineyards enjoy warm temperatures, Merlot thrives. The resulting wines tend to be bolder with more intense fruit flavors than of their Old-World relatives. For an ideal pairing, try this smooth, well-balanced wine with herbed meats, from lighter offerings like roast chicken to heavier meals like beef, veal, and grilled lamb.