2023 Highway 12 Merlot

Not your mom's Merlot. Weighty and bold, this Merlot was aged for 19 months in new and neutral oak. Layers of black cherry, blueberry and plum, underscored by vanilla and mocha. Nuances of black olive and Earl Grey tea come to focus on the mid palate. Balanced acidity adds structure and elegance, while sturdy tannins carry the wine to a fruitful, concentrated and lengthy finish and will age beautifully. Pairs well with grilled soy ginger pork chops and herbed garlicky green beans or penne with Italian sausage, portobellos, Castelvetrano olives and copious amounts of snowy grated pecorino. Crack this bold bottle and even decant it, if you're so inclined, about an hour or two before serving; really opens it up. Drinks bold and beautiful now but it will cellar well for 5-7 years.