The 2011 Matthaisson Napa Valley Merlot Red Hen Vineyard saw a long, cool fermentation that lasted for nearly a month. Fermentation at cooler temperatures preserves fruitiness and more volatile aromatics—certainly, this Merlot is a great example, with terrific purity of fruit and pitched, high-toned forest red berries, darker, juicier red cherries, and tannins that are all at once, dusty, silky and fine. As with all Matthaisson wines, it has a certain ethereal quality. 73 cases produced. 13.5% ABV | Sample
9.4 Points