Capturing and presenting Merlot’s style and charm has been our primary mission since our founding. Our enthusiasm for Merlot is the stimulus for producing this Merlot grown in the Atlas Peak appellation. This Atlas Peak Merlot joins the good company of our Napa Valley and Reserve Merlot bottlings. The mountain-grown grapes of Atlas Peak produced a Merlot with exceptional concentration and structure. We were so impressed by this particular lot that bottling it as a single appellation wine was the natural step. This Merlot delivers the heft and structure expected balanced very gracefully on plush accessible tannins.

This singular expression of Merlot provides dark aromas of blackberry, blueberry, vanilla and spice with hints of violet. It has a rich, generous tannin structure and is full-bodied with dark berry flavors, baking spices and a long finish.

At Rutherford Hill our mission is to produce rich and full-flavored wines, most noticeably merlots, that reflect the world class terrior of the Napa Valley. Over the years, we have accomplished our goal and pledge to continue [producing astounding Merlot that will make us proud to have our name on it. Our Cask Reserve Merlot displays the best we have to offer. After our meticulous barrel selection we produced 600 cases this year.

The 2014 vintage was precocious – marked by the earliest bud break in our history. Timely rainfall and a continuation of mild and dry conditions throughout the year allowed the grapevines to support the slightly higher-than-expected yields. Following a near-perfect growing season, harvest commenced in September just as the grapes reflected an ideal balance between freshness and concentration.