Tasting notes:

With fabulous vineyards in the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley, the Trefethen familyfashions delectable wines. Unusually, this Merlot-dominated blend does not include theusual Cabernet Franc, because in 2021 the Merlot had plenty of acidity. Vibrant rubycolouredwith a purple rim, it shows red cherry and black plum, with rose petals and ahint of tea leaf. Malbec adds black cherry, grippy tannins and a little extra weight.Beautifully balanced with gentle creamy oak, the palate is layered and textured, leadingto a lingering, aromatic finish. A lovely wine that suggests ‘classic’ duck cassoulet.(Patricia Stefanowicz MW)