Hard aged cheeses like Graviera or Kefalotyri echo the wine's structure

and consistent critical acclaim — including a perfect 100 points from José Peñín — support its standing at this level

whose caramelized sugar mirrors the wine's dried-fruit richness

this VS expression stands apart from mass-blended alternatives by sourcing all of its eaux-de-vie from one property — a rarity at this designation level

slightly peppery punch and notable smoothness from coal filtration

Cakebread Merlot 2019 other-spirits Hard aged cheeses like GravieraCakebread Merlot 2019 is a Napa Valley Merlot blended with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, bottled at 14. 8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Earning a 90 point aggregated critics score on Wine Searcher, this vintage draws its fruit primarily from Cakebread Cellars' Suscol Springs Estate vineyard, where rocky hillside soils produce concentrated, deeply flavored Merlot. Quick Facts: ABV: 14. 8% Origin: Napa Valley, California Vintage: 2019 Winery: