Our Quintessence Vineyard Merlot is sourced from a high elevation block that steeply slopes towards the East on a rocky hillside and right into the teeth of the Red Mountain sunrise.  This has got to be one of the hottest blocks on the hillside and as a result is consistently the first red fruit we bring into the cellar every harvest. As a result this Merlot is extremely concentrated and rich, but balanced with a backbone of fresh acidity. On the aroma we get wet rocks, bay leaf, and Bing cherry. The palate is full of plush tannins and red fruit: plum, strawberry and vanilla bean. We love this wine with all sorts of dishes...grilled chicken, roasted lamb, and pasta with a rich red sauce to name a few. Drink now through 2035.