Rombauer Merlot (75cl, 14.5%)

A Napa Valley red wine blending predominantly Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Rombauer Vineyards was founded in 1980 in St. Helena. The wine uses optical sorting and a cold soak, with juice split between oak barrels and stainless steel tanks; all sets undergo alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in oak before 15 months in French oak barrels, 45% new. The blend is 89% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petite Verdot. The nose shows ripe blackberry, black cherry, plum, blueberry, mocha, vanilla, pie crust, cedar and mint. The palate is plush with black plum, blueberry, blackcurrant and spice, with cedar and vanilla undertones and velvety tannins. The finish is moderately long, with dark cherry, clove spice and faint cedar.