TASTING NOTES:

85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec

100% oak aged for 14 months in a combination of small French and American oak barrels; 24% new

Deep garnet with a ruby edge, our 2013 Sonoma County Merlot has rich, dark notes of blackberry and plum with cocoa, nutmeg, and earthy hints of cedar and bay laurel. Smoky bacon notes frame bright fruit aromas into a compelling mixture of bright fruit with exotic spice and toast. Red and dark fruits play off each other with layer after luscious layer—both youthful and concentrated. We're happy with the wine's structure and its wonderfully balanced acidity. Plum follows through on the palate, along with black cherry, blackberry, and wild blueberry, lightly lifted by toast and vanilla notes with a hint of fresh green herbs. This medium- to full-bodied Merlot possesses depth and richness, finishing with youthful tannins.