Merlot has long been a workhorse grape and an ideal blending partner. This 2017 Illustration is a
classic example of why it works so well with others. Comprised of 49% merlot, there’s an additional 28% cabernet sauvignon and 23% cabernet franc and though both cabernets bring good tannic structure and rich berry flavors, the merlot stands out in this wine. You’ll easily pick up the dark red and blue fruits, but that slight rusticity that merlot offers, dusty tannins, boysenberry, plum and light huckleberry, make this a very compelling wine. Aged for 21 months in French oak, three-fourth’s of which were new, this is a beautiful example of merlot, but also how balanced a wine can be - seamlessly embracing oak, fruit, tannins and acidity.
420 cases
ORIGIN: Napa Valley
ALCOHOL: 14.1
PRICE: $135 (750 ml)
SCORE: 95 POINTS
