2006 Merlot

Because Merlot flourishes in relatively cool growing regions with moist soils, it’s extremely well-suited to the ancient alluvial loams, temperate climate, and long growing season of our estate vineyard in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, a sweet spot between Napa’s warmer up-valley regions and its cool southern tip.

The Vintage
One of the longest growing seasons in our 40 years in Napa Valley began with a New Year’s flood and continued with an unusually cool, wet spring, then segued into a very mild summer punctuated by a record July heat wave. August and September were ideal with morning fog, mild afternoons and cool, crisp evenings, while October was dominated by unseasonably cool weather which slowed ripening, elongated the harvest and tried our patience!

The Wine
With delightful plum, sweet cherry tomato, dark cherry, and olallieberry fruit our Merlot delights from the start. As the fruit gives way to notes of anise, roast fennel seed, and smokiness, it’s tempting to just sink into the glass. Crisp and mouthwatering, silky tannins back up a full, strong mouth with great structure and lead into a savory sage finish. This wine is sure to spoil you.

Food Affinities
Awesome with duck, try it with your favorite tomato-based pasta dish, too. And for the true hedonists, drizzle a little over some fresh berries and ice cream. You can thank us later.