Rainfall and cooler temperatures dominated the beginning of the 2010 season, but with no frost, flowering and fruit-set occurred about 2 weeks later than several previous vintages. Temperatures remained mild until the first heat spike of the season which occurred just as harvest was underway. The later bud break combined with the cooler temperatures pushed harvest well into October for most red varietals, leaving the harvest season short and ensuring busy weeks for the winemakers and their teams. For the red Bordeaux grape varietals, this longer and cooler season produced more balanced wines with lower alcohol levels and a more integrated palate and mouthfeel.

In the footsteps of the Cunat Reserve, this is a very approachable Merlot that expresses ripe plum, cocoa-dusted raspberries and sage. Additional aromas include pie cherries, tobacco and Darjeeling tea. An abundance of soft grain tannins provide a well-structured youthful wine with bright acidity.