Merlot is a Bordeaux variety with a long tradition as a wine blended into Cabernet Sauvignon of the Left Bank of the Gironde River but one that also produces the iconic wines of the "Right Bank". Our estate vineyard makes a wine that is balanced, naturally. It is a field-blend, meaning we grow, harvest and co-ferment the Merlot and Malbec together. We believe that the combination of 38 year-old vines and a micro-climate that is cooler than the surrounding valleys but warm enough to ripen the grapes every year work together to create a complex wine with a sense of place. The 2023 growing season was long, we harvested grapes in Mid October when tannins were mature and flavors well developed. Our Merlot ages in 100% French Oak barrels, mostly 1 year old and is always bottled unfined and unfiltered.
DaKine Merlot is lush with black currant, violet and plum aromas with that signature note of dried herbs. The generous mid-palate is full of sweet-tasting tannins, and dark chocolate flavors. As always, this is our favorite wine to pair with a rare Filet Mignon or a beef carpaccio.
Varietal: 91% Merlot, 9% Malbec
100 % Estate - Dakine Vineyard
Alcohol 14.5%