Beaulieu Vineyard Merlot Napa (75cl, 13.5%)

Beaulieu Vineyard Merlot Napa is a 100% Merlot from Napa Valley, California, bottled at approximately 13.5% ABV. Produced by Beaulieu Vineyard, founded in 1900, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks until dry with gentle pump-overs. The wine then spends approximately one year ageing in oak barrels from multiple cooperages. Optical sorter technology is used to reject berries that do not meet quality thresholds. The nose opens with ripe red cherry and black currant, followed by anise and baking spice, with darker tones of black tea and dried Marasca cherry. The palate is soft and plush with red cherry fruit, then dark chocolate, black cherry compote, cigar box and dusty mineral notes, alongside ripe plum, blackberry, licorice and sweet oak spice. The finish is spicy and long, with chocolate fudge and espresso and polished tannins.