{"product_id":"charles-smith-washington-state-velvet-devil-merlot-2020-1","title":"Charles Smith, Washington State Velvet Devil Merlot 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eCharles Smith Velvet Devil Merlot 2020 is a smooth, richly textured red from Washington State, defined by its velvety mouthfeel and generous dark-fruit character. Combining a respect for traditional winemaking with a modern understanding of how people enjoy wine, Charles Smith creates expressive, approachable bottles with instantly recognisable, artistically designed labels.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeep and richly coloured in the glass, this Merlot opens with inviting aromas of ripe black fruit, cassis, cedar and subtle tobacco. The palate is supple and velvety, with concentrated black-fruit flavours balanced by gentle savoury notes and a smooth, rounded finish.\n\nThe wine’s generous style makes it enjoyable in its youth, while its depth and structure should allow it to develop additional savoury and tobacco nuances over the short to medium term when carefully stored.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Merlot reflects Washington State’s ability to produce ripe, expressive red wines. Charles Smith’s red wines undergo an extended maceration on the skins, and the wine is not stretched after malolactic fermentation. This allows more time on the lees, contributing to the wine’s enhanced texture and full, rounded mouthfeel. The grapes and precise harvesting methods are not specified.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eServe slightly cool, at approximately 16–18°C. Velvet Devil Merlot is a natural match for grilled or roasted beef, burgers, lamb, barbecue dishes, mushroom-based recipes and mature hard cheeses. It can be enjoyed straight from the bottle, although 20–30 minutes of decanting may help open its dark-fruit aromas and soften the palate further.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCharles Smith is known for wines that unite a respect for traditional techniques with a highly individual, contemporary presentation. His playful labels have been celebrated since their launch and are created through an artistic collaboration with his longtime friend, artist Rikke Korff. The designs are distinctive, iconic and often reference the flavours and pairings associated with each wine, helping make Charles Smith one of Washington State’s most recognisable wine producers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Charles Smith","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54462776770897,"sku":"VDZ-10570063839568-53331346882896","price":25.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/charl06021_1.png?v=1785498541","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/charles-smith-washington-state-velvet-devil-merlot-2020-1","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}