Market price

Buying options

Tasting notes

Tasting notes
Score 91/100 · Drink 2015-2028, Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, Oct 2015

Made from 100% Merlot and checking in at 13.5% natural alcohol, the 2012 Merlot Estate sports an inky purple color to go with terrific notes of black cherries, crème brulee, spice, smoked herbs and licorice. Fabulously pure with medium to full-bodied richness, no hard edges ,and both freshness and richness, it's one of the top Merlots I've tasted from the Santa Cruz Mountains; it will have upwards of 10-15 years of longevity.

Critic scores

Critic scores
92
92/100

Average Score

92
92/100

Antonio Galloni, Vinous

91
91/100

Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate

More reviews and scores

92 points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Score 92/100 · Drink 2017-2032, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Jul 2015

The 2012 Merlot Estate is an absolute joy to taste. Dark and sumptuous to the core, the 2012 boasts superb richness to match its open-knit, welcoming personality. Plum, black cherry, mocha, sweet herbs, cloves and violets are some of the notes that are laced into the voluptuous, racy finish. Expressive savory undertones are a reminder this is a mountain wine, but the raciness is pure 2012.

About the producer

Ridge
Ridge Vineyards

Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

View Producer

Product details

Colour

Red

Taste

Dry

Why F+R?
Store
Store your collection in our bonded warehouse, only paying tax and duty if or when you arrange delivery.
Deliver
We sell wines and spirits to customers and clients in over 60 countries and can organise delivery to almost anywhere on the planet.
Sell
With effortless listing, promotion to our extensive network and valuation advice, there's no easier way to sell wine and spirits in your collection
Get the best F+R delivered in your inbox
Subscribe to our emails
Ⓒ 1994-2026 Fine+Rare Wines Ltd