Calistoga (Napa Valley) California
Barlow Vineyards if located on the Silverado Trail between Calistoga and St. Helena at the upper end of the Napa Valley. Merlot was originally grown in the Napa Valley as a blending grape and if was not until the 1980's that it was found that the grape did exceptionally well in this ares as a major varietal. Barlow Merlot is many layered and intense. It is grown on lyre trellised to take full advantage of the well-drained , down sloped vineyards, with their dominate microclimate of cool nights and warm, wind protected days. The Merlot fruit was picked at its prime and aged in French oak barrels.
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, plum, cedar, and baking spice. Flavours of stewed black fruit, baking spices like vanilla, just that elegant touch of leather that settles you in for a night of good wine and comfort. Drinking well at anytime, but even better if it's raining outside. 14.9% abv.