Mayacamas Mt. Veeder Napa Valley Merlot 2018

The 2018 was harvested by hand in September, destemmed, and pressed. The Merlot was fermentated in an open top concrete tank while the Cabernet Franc, at 6% of the final blend, was fermented in stainless steel. After fermentation both the Merlot and Cabernet France were aged in neutral French oak. The Merlot rested in large format foudre while the Cabernet France was placed in barrel for a combined 22 months before being bottled.

The wine opens with lifted aromatics of violet and lavender supported by a lovely fruit set of raspberry, plum, and dried blueberry. Savory tones of dried sage and fresh mint broaden the mid-palate, bringing detail and nuance to the wine’s mid-weight frame. The finish is persistent with lingering notes of red berry fruit, black tea, and dried herbs.