Blackstone Winery was founded in 1990 with the goal of producing approachable, full-bodied, well-balanced wines. We believe in good friends, good food and juicy conversations-and our wines are the ideal complement. Winemaker Gary Sitton, a Sonoma native with more than 10 years of winemaking experience in Sonoma county, is passionate about this winegrowing region. Gary believes that, "Sonoma County is one of the most fabulous places in the world to live and make wine. The wonderful combination of topography, landscape, weather, and people that is found here offers me the resources to make exactly the kinds of wines I like: expressive, rich and balanced, full of fruit and varietal character. I live here, work here, play here, and am raising a family here. That gives me a real insight into this region." Gary holds a Master of Science in Enology and Viticulture from the renowned winemaking program at the University of California Davis.

Tasting notes

Rich fruit aromas, elegance, supple oak characters and soft tannins. With lifted dark cherry and berry aromas and a touch of spicy clove, this wine is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The texture is ripe and soft in the mouth, with bright cherry fruit flavors and a soft, lingering finish.

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Technical Data Varietal: 85% Merlot, 15% Syrah Release Date: December 15, 2001 Total Acidity: .57 pH: 3.65 Alcohol: 13.0

Food pairing

Blackstone Merlot will pair nicely with rack of lamb, grilled burgers and tomato-based pasta dishes.