I love Merlot and this is a great one that I’m delighted to share. Did you know there’s even a hashtag #MERLOTME - Love it! Enjoy this little gem.  Founded in 1955, four generations of Snowdens have been privileged to walk the woods and vineyards of this lovely and secluded place. Situated on the eastern slopes of the Napa Valley, the Snowden Ranch lies just east of the Rutherford and St. Helena appellations, a few miles south of Howell Mountain, and a mile north of Pritchard Hill. Here at the confluence of these appellations, we tend twenty-three acres of vineyards planted in the hidden valleys and on the gentler hillsides of the Vaca Mountains.

From the two acre "Lost Vineyard" block, the '18 Merlot is bright and fruit-forward, but without an ounce of flab. Winemaker Diana Seysses speaks of the wine's "bounce" and "joyous energy." Fermented with native wild yeasts, blended with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 14 months in French oak, the wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined.

Winemaker Notes

The 2018 Merlot is bright and bouncy, with crunchy red fruit, a juicy mouth-watering texture, and faint, supple tannins. The wine is made to be enjoyed simply and with friends - its joyous energy is contagious. Pair the '18 Merlot with grilled meat and vegetables seasoned with fresh herbs, salt and olive oil.