The 2021 PlumpJack Merlot is complex and layered. The nose leads with cherry, raspberry, and boysenberry, followed by sweet earth and dried herbs. The oak barrels bring depth to the nose by infusing notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, pie crust, vanilla, caramel, and hickory. These flavors carry through to the palate, which has a silky texture, firm yet plush tannin, and lively acidity. This wine has great length and finishes with an impression of espresso and baker’s chocolate.