Winery: Penns Woods 
Grapes: Merlot
Appellation: Central Delaware Valley
Cost: $43 (2020 vintage)

Wine Description: Tons of complexity; flavors might include violet, sweet cherry, menthol, cola, earth, warm spice, and there’s just right amount of structure. Just superbly balanced and damn delicious stuff!

Why It’s a Benchmark PA Wine: It’s a beautifully balanced and complex wine that highlights how Merlot — when treated properly — can work perfectly in cooler-climate regions like PA. Also ages impeccably well.