Mendocino is California’s northernmost region for high quality wine growing. It’s a large swath of land north of Sonoma County that is often cool and foggy. The region has over 10 individual AVAs that stretch from the Pacific coastline inland, including the most notable Anderson Valley. Because of its diverse and extensive land area, the region produces a variety of grapes including Burgundian varietals in the colder areas and Bordeaux and Rhone varietals in the warmer areas.

This Merlot comes from grapes harvested from vineyards southeast of Ukiah, which is the warmer southernly and more inland region of Mendocino. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel and then the finished wine is put in a blend of new and used oak for six months prior to bottling.

This wine is medium bodied with a ruby hue. Raspberries, pomegranate, and red cherries with hints of herbaceous notes rush the senses. Smooth and luscious on the palate, this wine pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken, Margherita pizza, or braised beef short ribs.