Francis Ford Coppola - 2006 Merlot

"I like to drink wine more than I used to..."

-'Don Corleone', The Godfather

In 1975, famed screenwriter, director, and producer of the Academy Award winning Godfather movie series, Francis Ford Coppola purchased part of the Inglenook Estate in Napa Valley. He produced his first bottle in 1977, using wine making methods passed down through his Italian family. After much success in his wine production, in 1995, he took over the remaining portion of the Inglenook Estate, and renamed the property the Rubicon Estate Winery. The Coppola Family has since purchased another winery in Sonoma County to produce more wines in their collection, and as in this week's pick, they combine fruits from both wineries to create the vintages in their Diamond Collection.

This week's favorite: 2006 Francis Ford Coppola Merlot
$14-18, local grocery and wine stores

Like his movies, Francis Ford Coppola's wines never disappoint. This Merlot is traditionally Italian, a medium bodied wine, dark in color and bold in flavor. Plums from the Napa Valley region provide the sweet beginning, while blackberries from the Sonoma region create balance with their tangy flavors. The earthy spices of currants mixed in with a warm vanilla create a smooth finish.

To stay true to Francis Ford Coppola and his Italian heritage, this wine is best paired with a meaty lasagna or fettuccine bolognese with a side of warm garlic bread. A viewing of The Godfather while finishing the bottle sounds like an award winning date night to me!