Whitehall Lane Merlot (75cl, 14.5%)

A Napa Valley red wine from Rutherford, blending 87% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Grapes are hand harvested and destemmed for whole-berry fermentation, with a cold soak at 45°F for four to seven days before primary fermentation at 82°F, and the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered. The nose opens with ripe plums and raspberries, layered with mulberries, licorice, nutmeg, chocolate-orange and dried tobacco framed by vanilla oak. The palate is plush with dark cherry and red plum, then cocoa powder, toasted brioche, dried goji berries and red currants, with fine firm tannins and mixed herbs. The finish is medium-long with chocolate-cherry sweetness, graphite minerality and baking spice.