
2018 Quintessence Vineyard Merlot
Our Quintessence Vineyard Merlot is sourced from a high elevation block that steeply slopes towards the East 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 far as Merlots go this is big, rich, and powerful and in blind tastings is hard to distinguish among our Red Mountain Cabernets. In the glass it’s a vibrant red color—blackberry, cigar box, and wet rocks on the aroma. The palate is super concentrated with chewy tannins and an extremely long finish—blueberry, white pepper, and dark chocolate. You can pair with food but we prefer to drink this one on its own. Drink now through 2035.
388 cases made