Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot (75cl, 14%)

A full-bodied, 100% Merlot from Sonoma County's Alexander Valley, bottled at 14% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The Merlot undergoes fermentation at slightly lower temperatures than the estate's other Bordeaux-variety wines, to preserve fruit purity and aromatic complexity. It ages 14 to 15 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, with 25% new wood. The nose opens with ripe black cherry and cassis, layered with cocoa nib and espresso bean, with cedar and baking spice emerging as the wine breathes. The palate is plush and fruit-forward, with blackberry and plum, then chocolate and mocha tones alongside black currant, with broad, gripping tannins. The finish is medium to long, with lingering cocoa, dried cherry and subtle cedar spice.