The 2018 Acre Merlot is a deep purple-tinged ruby in color. From the first pour, it opens up with enticingly bold aromas of summer fruit, including black cherries, ripe strawberries, and dark plums, which carry over subtly in the mouth. On the palate, the bright acidity and textured tannins support layers of spice, dried herbs, cocoa beans, leather, and cedar, which lead to a lengthy, complex finish that takes its time to unfold. While the 2018 Merlot drinks beautifully in its youth, the robust structure also makes it a perfect candidate for cellaring.

The 2018 Merlot is 100% single vineyard Merlot from the Stags Leap District from the family-owned, sustainably farmed Stags Landing vineyard, which is managed by Napa Valley vineyard management legend Alex Vyborny (which, incidentally, is Czech for excellent, which his vineyards certainly indicate!). Mr. Vyborny has managed vineyards for Far Niente, Joseph Phelps and many many others, so we were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with this fruit. This Merlot is a Cab drinker’s Merlot and is strong, structured, and elegant.

Varietals: 100% Merlot