2018 OLABISI MERLOT

NAPA VALLEY

STORY: The 2018 vintage lends a bit more density to the bottling. Still single vineyard, and only the most choice French oak barrels were chosen for the cuvée. Specifically, barrels from François Frères, Remond, and Meyrieux. Always a different combination. That's the thing with the our Merlot. At harvest time, we break it up into as many micro fermentations as possible. The result is that each small open-top fermentor has its own dynamics and flavor profile. Then when we press them out, we taste each tank and pair it with what we think is its optimum barrel partner. Sometimes it's what you'd expect and sometimes there are surprises. It is not until just one month prior to bottling that we really get to the truth—the final four barrels that, when combined, make this beautiful wine.

HARVEST: Mid October 2018

Brix: 26°+

ELEVAGE: 18 months in barrel, 75% new French Oak

ALC: 14.7%

PRODUCTION: 100 cases

TASTING NOTES: Deep delicious aromas of black cherries, warm cocoa, lavender, framboise, mocha, blueberries, roasted herbs, and roses. Medium to full bodied, silky and plush, with concentrated black cherries, caramel, boysenberries, hints of wildflowers, impeccably balanced, and eminently enchanting. (Enjoy 2024-2037)