Cafe Zoetrope Merlot 2018

Smooth, plummy Merlot makes some of the world’s most expensive, sought-after wines. Merlot-dominant Château Pétrus, for example, is one of Bordeaux’s aristocratic reds and sells for $1,000+ a bottle. For much better value, we sought out Hollywood royalty: Academy Award winner, ‘Godfather’ director and long-time wine buff Francis Ford Coppola. His Sonoma estate is famed for world-class selections that offer plenty of crowd-pleasing personality.

From acclaimed Coppola winemaker Corey Beck and California’s excellent 2018 vintage (another in a string of terrific harvests), this charmer is an homage to Coppola’s Italian-inspired San Francisco eatery. It also calls to mind Café Trieste, a nearby Italian espresso house where Coppola penned much of the screenplay for The Godfather. The premium Merlot grapes were sourced from top-sited vineyards across Paso Robles and beyond, with a dash of Petite Sirah added for deep color and rich structure. Aging in fine French oak imparts added spice. Of his goal for this wine, Corey says:

“We really wanted to create a wine with balance – lots of intensity of flavor with a velvety mouthfeel. And of course, it had to go well with classic Italian dishes.”

Mission accomplished. At the actual Café Zoetrope, Corey’s tribute red may be served with Pizza Funghi e Salsicce (pizza topped with Italian sausage, mushrooms, mozzarella and grated Parmigiano) or the Asado de Tira (Argentine-style beef short ribs). At home, you could pair it with pasta and a meaty ragù, Italian-seasoned pork tenderloin or roast beef with fresh rosemary.

But before you can enjoy it, you have to secure your share.