Wow, the intensely concentrated aromatics of deep, pure, dark cherry are elevated by intriguing notes of violets, sweet moist tobacco, sassafras bark and cedar.  This dense round merlot envelops the mouth with a pleasing silky and lingering texture that slowly transitions to pretty acid-driven energy on the long full-bodied finish.  This is the perfect accompaniment for nearly any savory dark-flavored dish including ragouts, roasted meats etc.  The 2020 vintage has produced one of our favorite Vintner Select Merlots ever and is a cab lovers merlot for sure. 

The Vintner Select Merlot, which is typically no more than 500 cases each vintage, is made exclusively (100%) from our blocks of merlot planted to clone 3.  Clone 3 merlot does something magical at elevation, producing wines loaded with dark cherry, licorice and spice flavors, while having a texture that, like the Vintner Select Cab, is both dense upfront and wonderfully silky on the finish. This is a decadent wine that shows just how flavorful merlot grown on a mountain top can be.  It is distinct from our Reserve Claret, which uses the Vintner Select Merlot as its only merlot component, in that it does not have any added cabernet sauvignon or other varietals.