Merlo 2018

100% estate-grown Merlot from Sonoma Valley AVA. The vineyard is Olson Ranch planted in 1994 by Phil Coturri. 3.5 acres of cane pruned Merlot on gravely loam clay soil at 500 ft elevation. In 2018 the fruit came in in three batches, separated by a couple of days with moderate ripening between each lot. The grapes were then destemmed into open-top fermenters, punched down 2-3 times daily until dry and gently pressed into neutral barrels for 6 months. A “legacy wine” as Dan calls it, this wine shows lush blackberry and plum fruit with some fresh herbs and a light cacao note. Highly drinkable right now but with great aging potential as well.