Mayacamas Merlot 2016

Cellar for up to 14 years. Decant 1 hour before serving.

Originally founded in 1889 by German immigrant and pickle merchant JH Fisher, the Mayacamas winery was largely abandoned for the first half of the 20th century. Its fortunes changed when it was purchased by the Schottenstein family who brought in famous Napa winemaker Andy Erickson to help capture the character of the unique terroir of these mountain vineyards.

The Mayacamas Merlot is an exceptionally pure and beautiful expression of the variety which is typically made in a restrained style that showcases elegance and finesse. The fruit comes from dry-farmed vineyard sites high up on Mount Veeder where the cool climate and low yields create great intensity of flavour while retaining freshness. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in neutral wood and cement tanks before being aged for 22 months in large foudres, some of which have been in continuous use in the cellar since the 1920s.

This minimal approach to winemaking allows the pure varietal character to shine through, with plenty of exuberant raspberry, cherry, black plum and wild berries on the nose seasoned with gentle hints of star anise, clove, and cinnamon. On the palate there’s a generous full body, moderate tannins, and a long finish packed with luscious dark fruit. A wine that’s worth cellaring for a bit longer or enjoying now alongside roast lamb, beef stews, or even game dishes.