So we’re back to a red this week because… well, do I really need a reason? They’re delicious and that’s reason enough!

But in all seriousness, I’m excited about this one. If you’re headed somewhere for Christmas dinner and want to bring a nice Merlot, I’ve got one for you!!

Welcome to this 8th Edition of Wine and Lavender’s Wine of the Week:

Jason Stephens Estate Merlot 2011

HEB Price: $13.98

Sight: Although you can’t tell by my marvelous amateur photo job (and the fact that I poured a little too much in the glass), the look of this wine could best be described as “deep ruby”. (I love rubies!) It has a nice deep red color and looks to be full bodied.

Smell: THIS WINE SMELLS WONDERFUL!! It smells like a sweet, delicious fruit with floral scent
following behind.

Taste/First Impression: This wine is good. I literally took the first sip and said out loud, “Ooo… that’s a good wine”. It goes down smoothly with a tiny tartness that drifts off so pleasantly. There is definitely some “floral” in this wine, somewhere.

After taste: There is a tiny aftertaste left in your mouth- kind of hard to explain, but it’s definitely not unpleasant.

The Experience: Until I started this blog, I’ve never taken a look at the alcohol content of my wine. This wine is 15% alcohol. What can I say about that? Well, I’m pretty excited about probably not “needing” a second glass, but I’m also scared because it’s Sunday night. I have to be up with the kids early in the morning and I’m not sure if I can stop at one glass. I wonder what tomorrow has in store for me…

The Next Day: I was REALLY shocked on Monday morning, guys. I totally over indulged in this wine because- IT WAS DELICIOUS. Very surprisingly, I woke up WITHOUT even so much as a headache. I felt completely fine this morning and all day.

The Label: “We craft velvety, complex, full bodied and flavorful wines that capture the true essence of each varietal in every sip.” I whole-heartedly agree. This velvety wine was very enjoyable. I decided to look them up to see what other wines they make that I could test. In doing so, I found their description for the Estate Merlot: Tasting Notes by Jason Stevens Winery:

“A bright ruby red color shimmers while expressive aromas of cedar, blackberry,
plum, black pepper, and a hint of lavendar open up in the glass. A rich and full-bodied
mouthfeel is balanced with well-structured tannins and acidity. Flavors of dark red fruits and exotic spices dance in the palate followed by a lingering finish of dates and hints of anise.”

This may be the first time that I actually agree with what a winemaker has to say about their wine. Might my palate be maturing? Am I actually starting to make sense of what the wine people say about their wines? Or have I had too much to drink? LOL Furthermore, I’m not surprised that I liked this wine so much because right there in the description it says, “hints of lavender”. Um, hello? Wine and Lavender. My two faves! I was amused by that. No wonder why I thought it smelled so good!

Alc. %: 15%

Repeat: ABSOLUTELY (and as soon as I can).

Rating: I would rate this bottle of wine a 4. I really, really enjoyed it, and I’m sure the hints of lavender helped.

Check out these other wines that I love (and make great gifts!) like Confidencial, Love Noir, Kissing Tree Vineyards White Merlot, and Stressed Mommy Chardonnay. There’s a little something for every wine lover between those four. 🙂

Have ou ever tried this wine before? What were your thoughts? Leave a comment below:

Pam

Pamela is a Freelance Writer, Blogger, WAHM of 3, and Veteran Military Wife living in Southwest Texas. Raised in the Northeast and having lived a few years in the Pacific Northwest, she likes to write about mom life, parenting, frugal living, experiences, and WINE. (Lots of wine!) When she’s not busy chasing toddlers around, you can find her on the blog or on social media. Check her out on Instagram: instagram.com/wineandlavender