2019 Merlot, Oakville Station

$85 / 750ml

We originally sourced this Merlot fruit to blend into our Oakville Station Cabernet, which we often do, but this varietal stands solidly on its own. Since 2012 we have been selecting a few of our favorite Merlot barrels and bottling it as a single varietal wine. With its intense and effusive aromas, you quickly get a sense of the power in your glass. The first sip offers all the juicy black and red fruit you expect from Merlot, but it’s wrapped in subtle layers of sweet vanilla and toasty oak. Complex and balanced this wine is ready now, but it has the structure it needs to age beautifully. 150 cases produced.

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SKU: CS19OMWL
VINTAGE

2019
VARIETAL

Merlot
APPELLATION

Oakville
ALCOHOL

14.5
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This tiny block of Merlot was planted in 1990 in the highly acclaimed UC Davis Oakville Station, in the middle of “Cabernet Country”. Located on the west side of the valley at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains, this vineyard takes its cue from its illustrious neighbors.

Dark and opulent, this charming Merlot speaks to its renowned Oakville heritage. Although most of these barrels are destined for the Oakville Station Cabernet bottling, there are always a few barrels that stand out on their own. We bottle them as a single and distinct varietal wine. Expressive aromas of black cherry and Bing cherries mingle with black licorice notes. Full-bodied and round on entry, this is not a shy wine. But the smooth, elegant texture reminds us of Merlot’s seductive nature. Complex layers of sweet summer fruit flavors with a hint of toasty vanilla are wrapped in soft tannins giving way to a juicy lingering finish that begs for another sip.