Gainey Merlot (75cl, 14.2%)

A 100% estate-grown Merlot from Gainey Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, California, bottled at 14.2% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The fruit comes from the estate's Home Ranch at the warmer, eastern end of the valley, where longer hang times and consistent sunshine build deep colour and ripe fruit intensity. The wine is sustainably produced, and some vintages include around 3% Cabernet Franc for structural complexity. The nose shows black cherry, dark plum, vanilla, milk chocolate, light herbal scents, cracked pepper, dried herbs and a whisper of anise. The palate is juicy and succulent, with dark cherry, plum, cassis, baked red berry, fennel pollen, fine dust and tea-leaf spice. The finish is medium-long, with integrated tannins, plum skin and subtle herbal notes.