“What’s In Your Glass?”: Lumiére de Vie 2010 California Merlot

By Michelle Bachmann

Contributing Writer

Wine: Lumiére de Vie 2010 California Merlot

Grape: Merlot

Region: Central Valley, California

Vintage: 2010

Price: $20.00 

According to the Vinter’s notes that come with each wine, Lumiére de Vie is French for ‘light of life.’ The grapes for this wine come from California’s prolific Central Valley. This wine is 100 percent Merlot and crafted in Bordeaux-style. The grapes were harvested by hand early in the morning to preserve the acidity and fruit character. Then the grapes were de-stemmed and crushed into stainless-steel tanks and fermented at around 85 degrees F. The wine was then pressed, allowed to settle, then transferred to small neutral barrels for aging. This wine will age well for three to five years. 

WSAH’s Enologist, Steve Burch, notes this Lumiére de Vie 2010 California Merlot has fresh ripe blackberry, raspberry and lightly toasted oak aromas with hints of cherry and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is rich and smooth with soft tannin. All of the aromas come across the palate as fresh fruit flavors. The finish is long and dominated with all of the fruit subtly punctuated with the very pleasing tannin. 

Enjoy this wine with stuffed mushrooms, chicken marsala, mushroom soup or medium cheeses such as cheddar.

Michelle L. Bachmann

Michelle L. Bachmann is a WineShop At Home Independent Wine Consultant. She enjoys showing hosts how easy entertaining can be with private tasting events that include limited production, artisan wines direct from the Wine Country in the comfort of their home or office. 

To purchase this wine, find out more about WSAH brands, or plan your own private tasting, visit her website:  www.wineshopathome.com/vivalavino.