Clos Du Bois Merlot (75cl, 13.5%)

A Sonoma County, California Merlot from Clos Du Bois, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The winery was founded in 1974 by Frank Woods in Alexander Valley and has been part of E. & J. Gallo Winery since 2019. Production uses cold maceration before fermentation in stainless steel and oak vessels, full malolactic fermentation, and careful oak integration. Sustainable farming, gentle fruit handling and selective vineyard sourcing are emphasised. On the nose there are ripe raspberry and black cherry, sweet tobacco, vanilla and lightly toasted oak, with a subtle brown spice note. The palate is smooth, with concentrated black cherry and plum, dark chocolate, mocha and a green olive savoury note, supported by soft, fine-grained tannins. The finish is dry and medium in length, with blackberry and cocoa and gently fading oak spice.