Wine drinkers gravitate to Merlot for its accessibility, generous fruit flavors and curvaceous texture. Capturing and presenting Merlot's style and charm has been our primary mission since our founding. Experience matters. Rutherford Hill 2007 Merlot benefits from 3 decades of Napa Valley history with this classic wine. It is an elegant and refined interpretation of the classic Bordeaux varietal. Estate vineyards that we purchased and developed in the 90's become more useful to us with each vintage. The Merlot lots were lifted and enhanced when our winemaker wove Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec into the final blend.

Variety: Merlot
Vintage: 2007
Appellation: Napa Valley
Varietal Composition: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
Color: Garnet
Aroma: Cherry, strawberry, clove
Flavor: Smooth, round tannins and flavors of cherries leading to a mocha finish
Alcohol Content: 13.8%

PRICE: $36.00

About Malbec
This French red grape originates in the Bordeaux region and is grown in the Loire Valley and in Cahors. In Bordeaux, Malbec is often blended with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In the Loire Valley, it is blended with Gamay and Cabernet Franc. In Cahors, Malbec is the prominent variety. It takes a lead role in the wine blends and is usually combined with small amounts of Merlot and Tannat.

Despite the popularity of South American Malbec, the Malbec varietal wines from Australia and North America are fairly rare. This deeply pigmented grape creates a rustic, medium-bodied wine with grip, depth, and a velvety texture.