Hertelendy Hertelendy Signature Mountain Red Wine Blend 2015 750ml

A blend of 81% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec that’s packed in a huge, embossed bottle, the 2015 Signature Mountain Blend offers a killer perfume of plums, blueberries, vanilla oak and damp earth. It’s sexy, opulent and rounded on the palate, and is reminiscent of a top-flight Pomerol. With sweet tannin and a big midpalate, it’s approachable today, yet should be at its finest from 2020–2035. (Jeb Dunnuck)

Small producer Ralph Hertelendy blends 81% Merlot with smaller percentages of other red Bordeaux grapes from a variety of sites across the valley in this well-made, complex wine. Char, smoked meat, juicy currant and cranberry are set against tight compressed tannins and intense oak, suggesting more time in bottle. Enjoy best 2025–2030. (Virginie Boone)

A deep purple-black colored blend of 81% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, the 2015 Signature Mountain Blend has a spicy plums and baked cherries nose with blackberry compote, dusty earth and incense hints plus dried leaves and cedar. Soft and spicy in the medium to full-bodied mouth, it finishes just a little hollow and abrupt.

Big, with brambly red fruit flavors, focused and filled with dried beef notes. Mocha details show on the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now through 2021. 283 cases made. (Kim Marcus)