2019 Le Vigne Winery Merlot Di Domenico Paso Robles

Estate-grown on a prime single vineyard. Sustainably farmed. Crafted by a “top-flight winemaker,” in the words of Robert Parker. 

Those are all things that add digits to the price of a bottle—quickly. That’s especially true in Paso Robles, where prices have been soaring: Rising-star estate Daou sold for nearly a billion dollars on the strength of their premium wines.

But Le Vigne’s 2019 Di Domenico Merlot is a rarity for a region that “can’t stop winning,” according to Vinous. A barrel-selection from a family-owned winery that can trace its roots back to the 1960s, Le Vigne’s vineyards—and pricing—predate the interest and related inflation of Napa carpetbaggers and venture capital.

Consulting winemaker Terry Culton is a legend in Paso. Heralded by Robert Parker as a “top-flight winemaker,” he contributed to the ascendance of standout estates across the region. When you equip a veteran like Terry with estate grapes from a stellar vintage, expect big results. The 2019 growing season will go down as one of Paso’s greatest ever, with near-perfect weather from start to finish and gorgeous grapes at harvest. The results, according to Vinous, are reds that “show distinct clarity and fine detail, with fresh fruit character and harmonious tannins.”

This hails from the sustainably farmed Domenico Vineyard, which contains the first vines planted by the Filippini family. That was in 1982, two decades after they purchased the land from country music legend Buck Owens. This wine is a barrel-selection of the best Merlot from the vineyard, aged for a leisurely 23 months in 20% new French oak. 

This would cost a mint if it came from Napa—which is to say, don’t miss your chance to get it right now.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Acidity
• Tannin

• ABV 14.10%
• 1 hour
• Now – 2035
• % Merlot
• Serving temperature – 60°
• Cork