The 2019 vintage will signal the 20th anniversary of Norm McKibben and Jean-François Pellet’s estate Merlot program, and harvest for this wine from the historically hot vintage began on Sept. 3. That was three weeks earlier than the 1999 vintage when they began their estate Merlot with Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills vineyards. Octave joined the program in 2011 and contributes to this bottling that includes Cabernet Franc (15%) and Malbec (7%) for added elegance and brightness. It’s skillfully crafted and the use of new French oak (38%) adds a sense of opulence to the profile of Graham cracker, black cherry, blueberry and sweet herbs of violets and mint. Cherry-skin tannins and juicy acidity make for a pleasing mouth feel and long finish. These wines are available in more than 35 states, Canada, Germany and Japan.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 1,230 cases
Alcohol: 14.7%
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