Lucas & Lewellen 2014 Judge’s Reserve Merlot (Santa Barbara County)

Country: US / Judge’s Reserve
Variety: Merlot California
Winery: Lucas & Lewellen / Santa Barbara County

A nod to the winery’s co-owner Judge Royce Lewellen, this bottling is full of campfire smoke, red cherry, hibiscus and roasted pork aromas. That smoky character, which is pleasant if a tad overbearing, follows through to the palate, accenting the plum and black pepper flavors.