Mer Soleil Pinot Noir is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV California Pinot Noir grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA of Monterey County. Scored 90 points by Wilfred Wong on the 2018 vintage, this coastal-influenced red draws its character from vineyards planted near the Pacific, where persistent maritime winds moderate the growing season and build complexity in the fruit.Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5% | Origin: Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California | Style: Still Red Wine | Producer: Mer Soleil (Wagner Family)Production & HeritageMer Soleil was established in 1988 by the Wagner family, who selected vineyard land in the Santa Lucia Highlands just east of the acclaimed Sleepy Hollow Vineyard site — an area Wine Spectator has called the appellation's "star district." Situated close to the Pacific Ocean, the vines endure stiff ocean breezes that temper summer heat and extend the growing season, allowing Pinot Noir grapes to develop layered flavor while retaining bright acidity. The wine spends approximately seven months in mostly new French oak barrels, which lend toasty, spiced nuances without overwhelming the fruit.Tasting NotesAroma: Dark cherry and ripe boysenberry lead, followed by rose petal, vanilla, and a subtle truffle-like earthiness. Swirling reveals hints of mint and warm oak spice beneath the fruit.Taste: The entry is supple, with black cherry and plum tart flavors spreading across the palate. At mid-palate, raspberry and currant notes emerge alongside brown spice and a whisper of nutmeg. The texture is smooth and medium-bodied, with enough structure to keep the ripe fruit in check.Finish: Moderately long, fading through minerality and a touch of white chocolate. A subtle graphite quality lingers alongside soft berry tones.How to Drink Mer Soleil Pinot NoirServe slightly below room temperature — around 60–65°F — to let the aromatic complexity unfold. This Pinot drinks well on its own but also integrates smoothly into wine-forward cocktails. A classic Burgundian Kir substituting this for a traditional Bourgogne rouge adds richer berry depth. A Pinot Noir Sangria built with stone fruit, cinnamon, and a splash of brandy plays to the wine's spice notes. For something lighter, a New York Sour — whiskey sour topped with a float of this Pinot — benefits from the wine's natural acidity and dark fruit presence.Best For Weeknight dinners where you want a step above everyday Pinot Noir Gifting to a friend who enjoys coastal California reds Pairing with a charcuterie board at an intimate gathering Exploring Santa Lucia Highlands terroir alongside wines from neighboring vineyards Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Mer Soleil Pinot Noir taste like? Ripe black cherry, plum, and raspberry dominate, with supporting notes of brown spice, nutmeg, and a subtle earthiness. The palate is supple and medium-bodied, finishing with minerality and a hint of white chocolate.How does Mer Soleil Pinot Noir compare to Belle Glos? Both are full-flavored California Pinot Noirs with ripe fruit profiles, and consumers frequently place them in the same tier. Mer Soleil leans slightly more toward earthy, mineral-driven character from its maritime-influenced Santa Lucia Highlands site, while Belle Glos bottlings tend to emphasize bold, fruit-forward intensity across multiple AVA-designated wines.Is Mer Soleil Pinot Noir good for sipping neat? Yes — its balanced structure, aromatic complexity, and smooth tannins make it a rewarding glass to drink on its own, served lightly chilled around 60–65°F.Where is Mer Soleil Pinot Noir made? Mer Soleil is located in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County on California's Central Coast. The vineyards sit close to the Pacific Ocean, where cool maritime winds define the growing conditions.What foods pair well with Mer Soleil Pinot Noir? Roast duck breast complements the wine's dark berry and spice notes. Grilled salmon or seared tuna steaks match its medium body without overpowering it. Mushroom risotto echoes the earthy, truffle-like quality in the aroma. Aged Gruyère or Comté cheese mirrors the toasty oak influence. Herbed pork tenderloin bridges the fruit and savory spice on the finish.What sizes does Mer Soleil Pinot Noir come in? The standard bottling is available in the 750ml format.Is Mer Soleil Pinot Noir worth the price? Mer Soleil positions as a mid-premium California Pinot Noir, sitting above entry-level supermarket options but below single-vineyard luxury bottlings. Its Santa Lucia Highlands pedigree, new French oak aging, and 90-point critical recognition represent strong value within that tier.Why Mer Soleil Pinot Noir?The Santa Lucia Highlands has earned a reputation as one of California's finest cool-climate Pinot Noir zones, and Mer Soleil's vineyard placement near the Pacific puts it squarely in the appellation's most regarded corridor. The Wagner family's decision to age the wine in mostly new French oak for seven months adds structure and aromatic depth without burying the coastal terroir signature — a balance that not every producer in the region achieves. A 90-point score from Wilfred Wong confirms the wine's quality at its price tier. For drinkers drawn to Pinot Noir that balances ripe California fruit with genuine earthiness and mineral backbone, this bottling delivers a clear sense of place.
