75 CL, 13.5% ABV
Merlot expresses its most appealing varietal character when grown in regions that experience warm afternoon temperatures balanced by cool nights and mornings. California’s Mendocino County has a rugged coastline and highlands that offer a generous range of soils and exposures in which to cultivate Merlot. The structure and framework of this wine was constructed from the Mendocino components while the lush, full body is attributable to our fruit sourced from a bit further inland, almost directly to the east in Clarksburg in Yolo County.
Nose: Cherry and black tea ccented by subtle sweet vanilla French oak and a fetching blueberry compote note.
Palate: Generous and soft on approach, leading with supple cherry fruit and transitioning to richer boysenberry flavors on the mid-palate where the medium-firm tannins, caramel, and notes of clove and black pepper come into play. The vintage’s fresh acidity lends structure to this silky expression of Merlot leaving a lingering, savory finish.