Our hand-picked Merlot is gently de-stemmed and crushed to both closed and open-top fermentors. When the color, flavors and tannins are fully extracted from the skins, the wine is aged for a minimum of 17 months in both European and American oak. This Merlot is combined with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from our adjoining vineyards to bring added structure and complexity. A full mouth of blackberry and chocolate-raspberry with hints of spice, plum and tobacco lead to a lingering black cherry finish.