Bogle Vineyards Merlot 2017 Clarksburg, California, USA 75cl

Bogle Vineyards is a sixth-generation farming family working the land around Clarksburg in California’s Sacramento Delta. That hands-on, home-grown approach runs through their reds, which tend to be ripe, soft and approachable, and their Merlot is a good example of the house style.

This is a straightforward, fruit-led expression of the grape. Bogle draw on warm Californian sunshine to build ripeness, while the cooler Delta nights keep the wine fresh enough to stay balanced. The aim is generosity rather than grip, and it lands squarely on the everyday, easy-drinking side of Merlot.

The 2017 vintage has settled nicely with a little bottle age, rounding off any youthful edges. It is drinking in a comfortable, mellow style and needs no keeping, so it is ready to open whenever the mood takes you.

Expect ripe red cherry and plum, a note of blackberry and a gentle lift of vanilla and spice from oak. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, with soft tannins and an easy, fruity finish at 14.5%. There is nothing angular or demanding about it, which is exactly what makes it so useful.

This is honest, everyday drinking. Pour it with burgers, a midweek roast, pizza, a bowl of pasta or a plate of cold cuts, and serve it just cool of room temperature to keep the fruit fresh. A reliable house red for the days when you simply want something good in the glass. It slips into almost any casual meal without complaint, and it is happy to be the wine you reach for on autopilot.