A sumptuous nose of bright plum, cherry, rose petal, mulberry and walnut introduces an enticing wine that sets the taste buds firing. The palate is layered and lush, expressing undulating waves of red fruit woven together by a rich mid-palate and vibrant acidity. 7% Cabernet Sauvignon from our volcanic Rim Rock block and our rocky Quartz Hill block were blended in to add depth and structure to the wine. While we often describe our Merlot as a "Cab lover's Merlot," the 2011 demonstrates what makes Merlot so lovely and special as a varietal wine – concentration, smooth but full texture, finesse and that elusive X factor that we think of as "lusciousness."