Want wines like this one?

Take our quick quiz to get a selection of bottles matched to your preferences.

Take the Quiz

Under The Radar

2009 Santa Barbara County Merlot

Babcock Under The Radar is a captivating Merlot from the renowned Santa Barbara County, showcasing the region's exceptional winemaking capabilities. This enchanting red wine reveals a medium-bodied structure, delivering a harmonious balance between lush fruit and refined acidity. Its fruit intensity is prominent, featuring delightful notes of ripe black cherry and plum, complemented by subtle undertones of cocoa and a hint of earthiness. The tannins are notably structured yet approachable, adding depth without overpowering the wine's elegant profile. As an added bonus, this Merlot is crafted in a dry style, making it a fantastic companion for various dishes or perfect for sipping on its own. Overall, this vintage from 2009 highlights the artistry and potential of the Merlot varietal while capturing the essence of its Santa Barbara County terroir.

Tasting notes:


Black Cherry

Black Cherry

Oak

Oak

Chocolate

Chocolate

Flavor profile:


Acidity Mild

Low Pronounced

Body Medium Full

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Tannin Medium

Low Pronounced

Region:


Santa Barbara County

Just north of Los Angeles at the southern tip of the Central Coast, Santa Barbara County is one of California's winemaking gems. Although a long way from Napa and Sonoma, Santa Barbara's prime AVAs—the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez Valleys and the Santa Rita Hills—produce exemplary cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It is all thanks to the terroir. Despite its proximity to sunny southern California, Santa Barbara County is hilly, and its vineyards lie close to the Pacific Ocean. With little rainfall but an abundance of chilly ocean winds and fogs, the growing season is very long here. This allows grapes to ripen slowly over an extended period and develop wonderfully complex flavors.

Want to discover wines for you?

Take our quiz to see a selection of wines tailored to your tastes.

Take the Quiz