Calluna, Aux Raynauds Merlot, Chalk Hill

Deep garnet color, brightly toned with light ruby edges. Aromas of red currant & black cherry, with cedar, saddle leather, black tea, clove and fresh thyme. Cool-toned, ripe blackberry and currant fruit on the palate, layered with secondary notes of leather, graphite, iron, ground black pepper and five spice. Refined and dense, medium-to-full in body and deftly balanced. Medium integrated acidity and broad-grained long tannins, finishing with moderately long notes of black fruit zest and anise seed. Youthful, well-integrated, ample …

Dark and bright in the glass with garnet edges. Aromas of currant, clove, black tea, paprika, worn cedar with hints of rosemary and leather. Cool-toned concentrated red currant & black cherry on the palate, nicely layered secondary depth of spices and red florals with cedar and sandalwood. Medium to full through the palate, with refined round density, framed with juicy acid and fine-grained grippy tannins. Finishing with ample depth and length. Really nice vintage for this bottling, showing very well. …

Always a favorite. Great alone or with food. Grows after opening.

Got compliments on first sip from our guests. Delicious unexpected for a merlot. Loved the blend with cab franc

Napa Valley & Chalk Hill AVA winery visits - 5/30 & 5/31, 2018 : Aromas of violets, blueberry, spices and black tea. Velvety black fruit on the palate with nice intensity and ample structure. Secondary floral and spice layers. Fine firm tannins and full depth on the finish. A perennial fave- this is serious Merlot- one of California's best.