Tasting notes:

The Mt Brave vineyard was established many decades ago at high altitude on MtVeeder between the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Above the fog line, the vinesreceive plenty of morning sunshine, but the nutrient-poor, gravelly soils givesmall grapes with concentrated flavours. What an extraordinary wine is thisMerlot – practically perfect in every way. Deep purple-black in hue, the wineexudes morello cherry and black plum fruit with perfumed aromatics and gentletoast accents. Vibrant flavours across the full-bodied palate are in seamlessbalance with good freshness and silky tannins. Opulent but elegant, the wine iscomplete, textured and layered, revealing a sequence of flavours towards thelingering finish. Sensational. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)