2018 Merlot, Oakville Station

We originally sourced this Merlot fruit to blend into our Oakville Station Cabernet, which we often do, but this varietal stands solidly on its own. Since 2012 we have been selecting a few of our favorite Merlot barrels and bottling it as a single varietal wine. With its intense and effusive aromas, you quickly get a sense of the power in your glass. The first sip offers all the juicy black and red fruit you expect from Merlot, but it’s wrapped in subtle layers of sweet vanilla and toasty oak. Complex and balanced this wine is ready now, but it has the structure it needs to age beautifully. 150 cases produced.

Appellation: Oakville

Vineyard: UC Davis Oakville Station

Varietals: 92% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc

Harvest Date: September 24, 2018

Cooperage: 50% New French oak, 50% neutral French oak