Rombauer Vineyards Merlot 2019

Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Koerner and Joan Rombauer relocated from Escondido in Southern California to Napa Valley in 1972, although it was only in 1980 that they made their first Rombauer wine. Rombauer’s premier winemaking facilities have also been used by everyone from Duckhorn and Dominus to Spottswoode over the years. Today it’s run by the second and third generations of the Rombauer family who use sustainable practices as much as possible to preserve the land in perfect condition for the future. This opulent Merlot is made with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot and aged in French and American oak barrels for 18 months. Fruit is sourced from estate vineyards and partner growers based in the cool Carneros region where the cooling ocean breezes from the nearby Pacific help to preserve plenty of freshness and aromatics. Ripe plum, cassis, black cherry and hints of cedar and tobacco leaf dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a medium body, silky smooth texture, and soft tannins. This flavour profile makes it approachable even when young, although it can also be cellared for a decade or so more if desired.

Price: £65.30 from 8wines UK