Merlot, 2018. Rutherford Ranch

Rutherford Wine Company is a family-owned business sporting a portfolio of properties showing the rich diversity of California's outstanding appellations. Today, the portfolio includes Rutherford Ranch Winery, Round Hill, Scott Family Estate, Lander-Jenkins Vineyards, Predator, Rhiannon, and Silver Buckle. The company is based at Rutherford Ranch Winery in Napa Valley's Rutherford District, one of the region's most renowned subappellations. The winery and estate vineyards are certified sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

The vice president of winemaking is Jay Turnipspeed. He joined the company in 2017, bringing his 12 years of experience working in Napa and Sonoma. His resume includes Franciscan Estate and Mount Veeder wineries, where he received recognition for crafting elegant Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots. Rutherford was the first Napa appellation to garner international attention when legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff made the first Beaulieu Private Reserve in 1936. It has been the most famous address in Napa ever since.

Our selection is a prime example in spite of the fact that Merlot is the best kept secret in Napa. All the talk centers around Cabernet Sauvignon, but when you hit a wine like our selection, it makes you stand up and take notice. There's a reason why there is twice as much Merlot planted in Bordeaux than there is Cabernet Sauvignon. Our Merlot is a vote for California. The layered black plum and dark cherry aromas lead into a spectacular, velvety mouth feel and finishes with fine, persistent tannins. The slight smokiness would be invaluable with smoked baby back ribs or a seared filet mignon.

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