Raised on vines in a valley that absorbs the full brilliance of a Mendocino County day, this nuanced wine blends a focused Merlot character with an evident heritage of Bordeaux. Aromas of cranberry, chocolate and cola spice add to the old-world style. Our Merlot is wonderfully dry, with compelling fruit and touches of herbs and light oak.

Rating

Ultimate Beverage Challenge 87 points (May 2012) Blackcurrant cordial aromas. Ripe, almost sweet, blueberry and blackcurrant fruits, with sturdy tannins. Rich, ripe and fruity. Can be served with a slight chill.  Connoisseur's Guide 88 points (Jan 2011) Merlot is teamed here with a few unconventional supporters, but the wine is in all ways a straightforward expression of Merlot's slightly juicy, very-easy-to-like, ripe-cherry fruit. It is medium-bodied, nicely balanced and slightly plush on the palate, and, while it is never as deep or complex as its high-ticket cousins, it is a very honest and thoroughly enjoyable take on the grape that gets the job done at price that makes it an out and out bargain.