Bogle Merlot (75cl, 14.5%)

A California Merlot from Bogle Family Vineyards, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml format. The family operation traces its roots to 1968, when Warren Bogle began farming in the rich alluvial soils of the Sacramento River Delta near Clarksburg. Every red in the Bogle lineup, including this Merlot, spends a full 12 months ageing in American oak. The winery maintains a barrel room housing over 95,000 small, traditional oak barrels. The nose opens with baked plum and Bing cherry, then sandalwood, dried bay leaf and coffee bean, with sweet summer herbs and dried florals. The palate is smooth and supple, with ripe red plum and cherry, plush texture, baking spices, vanilla mocha and cocoa leaf, plus pipe tobacco and sassafras. The finish is medium-long, with coffee grounds, sweet herbs, dark cherry and gentle vanilla warmth.