Vineyards:  Sonoma County has a long history of producing lush and structured Merlot. 2018 Merlot was made from fruit from estates Cherryblock and Mission Vineyards in Sonoma Valley, as well as a small percentage from the Eco Terreno Vineyard in the warm Alexander Valley region.

Vintage: The 2018 growing season was one of the mildest and smoothest in recent memory. Mild spring weather led to good fruit set in most varietals and moderate weather throughout the year made for ideal growing conditions. There were no major heat spikes, which gave longer hang time and great ripening on the vine. While a fairly long harvest, the 2018 crop delivered fruit with complex flavours and excellent quality.

Winemaking: The grapes were crushed and destemmed to a stainless steel tank for a two-day cold soak, then fermented to dryness at relatively warm temperatures. After pressing the wine off the skins, it was racked into a mixture of barrels and stainless steel tanks for malolactic fermentation. The wine aged for 12 months in 29% new French, European and American oak barrels, with the remaining in one and two-year-old French oak barrels.

Winemakers Notes: 2018 Sonoma County Merlot offers aromas reminiscent of a holiday potpourri. Scents of cinnamon and cherry are supported by earthy notes with a touch of white pepper. On the palate, clove, vanilla and cranberry marry together with a Christmas spice finish making this wine a nostalgic journey for the senses.

Food Pairing: Enjoy this wine with a garlic and herb roasted New York steak.