Rating 94
Style Red
Variety
Vintage 2018
Appellation
USA
ABV 12.2%
Price $74.00  Buy This Wine
Print Shelf Talker
Reviewed By
Reviewed 2025-09-09

Perfect For

Holiday Meals, Long-Term Aging, Steak Dinner

Drink If You Like

Cabernet Franc, Merlot , Mourvèdre

William Chris Vineyards '500 Block' Merlot 2018 Review

On the national stage, William Chris is one of the pioneering winemakers of Texas. This Merlot comes from a special vineyard block — the 500th block of Merlot planted at Granite Hill Vineyards, specifically — in the Bell Mountain AVA. This particular block has been bottled separately from the rest of the vineyard since 2011 as it’s home to the most intense, low yielding vines in the area. The nose has cherries with a hint of licorice and balsamic along with an added layer of earth. The mouthfeel is seamless with a slight tannic frame and good medium fruit.

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94
POINTS
William Chris Vineyards '500 Block' Merlot 2018
On the national stage, William Chris is one of the pioneering winemakers of Texas. This Merlot comes from a special vineyard block — the 500th block of Merlot planted at Granite Hill Vineyards, specifically — in the Bell Mountain AVA. This particular block has been bottled separately from the rest of the vineyard since 2011 as it’s home to the most intense, low yielding vines in the area. The nose has cherries with a hint of licorice and balsamic along with an added layer of earth. The mouthfeel is seamless with a slight tannic frame and good medium fruit.

Reviewed On: 09-09-2025
94
POINTS
William Chris Vineyards '500 Block' Merlot 2018
On the national stage, William Chris is one of the pioneering winemakers of Texas. This Merlot comes from a special vineyard block — the 500th block of Merlot planted at Granite Hill Vineyards, specifically — in the Bell Mountain AVA. This particular block has been bottled separately from the rest of the vineyard since 2011 as it’s home to the most intense, low yielding vines in the area. The nose has cherries with a hint of licorice and balsamic along with an added layer of earth. The mouthfeel is seamless with a slight tannic frame and good medium fruit.

Reviewed On: 09-09-2025