Clos Pegase Merlot (75cl, 14.9%)

A 100% Merlot from the Carneros appellation of Napa Valley, California, bottled at 14.9% ABV in a 750 ml bottle. Clos Pegase was founded in 1983 by Jan Shrem in Calistoga. The Merlot comes from Mitsuko's Vineyard in Carneros. Harvesting is delayed as long as possible to maximise flavour concentration, with all Merlot blocks harvested across three consecutive days. After destemming, the juice has a three-day cold soak, inoculated fermentation with twice-daily pump-overs, malolactic fermentation in barrels and tanks, and twelve months of barrel ageing before light filtration and bottling. The nose has spiced plum, crushed red cherry, black licorice, anise, nutmeg, clove and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied, with dark plum, black currant, blackberry, briar, chocolate and espresso, plus fine, powdery tannins. The finish is long and robust, with dark fruit, tobacco, lavender and baking spice.