Founded in 1972, Rutherford Hill Winery is a pioneer in the development of California Merlot. The grape growers who founded Rutherford Hill carefully studied the geography of the region and capitalized on climate and soil conditions that resembled those of Pomerol, the small but distinctive Merlot-growing region of Bordeaux. What a promising discovery that was — one that has borne plenty of fruit — specifically, the lush, purple-black grapes that have contributed so much to Rutherford Hill’s success. Today, Merlot remains the flagship wine of the winery, one of the leading Merlots of Napa Valley.