Production NotesVarietal Composition: 86% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Syrah, 2% MalbecWinemaker NotesThis vibrant and alluring Merlot draws you in with fragrances of ripe raspberry, Bing cherry and red currant, as well as notions of cedar and sweet baking spice from oak aging. On the palate, velvety tannins accentuate the generous red berry and spice flavors as they flow to a long, juicy finish.ProductionThe season began with a warm winter with less than 50% of our average rainfall, leading us to take early drought precautions, including suckering, careful cover crop management, targeted irrigation and pruning for crop load. Budbreak occurred mid-March to early-April with bloom in mid-May. Summer temperatures fluctuated from 85 F to 105 F, which ensured excellent ripening, and we began harvesting Sauvignon Blanc in mid-August, with Chardonnay and Merlot following soon after. The remaining Bordeaux varietals were all picked by October 15th. The quality of our white grapes was superb, with ideal acid profiles and lush tropical flavors at lower-than-normal berry sugar levels. Red grapes were also surprisingly concentrated at lower sugar levels, while still displaying wonderful depth, complexity and juicy flavors.