90pts Wine Enthusiast

This well-balanced Merlot offers a grippy tannic structure that is complemented by the integration of earth, fruit and oak flavors. It offers notes of blackberry, blueberry, damp forest floor, bramble, fennel and toasted wood.

Winemaker Notes

Peirano Estate Vineyard's Merlot is produced from 6 different clones of Merlot grown on the estate, including two rare French clones as well as the very rare Italian clone. Peirano Estate was the first commercial winery to grow and produce wine from these rare Merlot clones. 

After HAND PICKING, the fruit arrives at the winery ready for its careful journey from grape to wine. The must was inoculated with  Bordeaux red Pasteur yeast, fermented to dryness, pressed and  settled before being moved into barrels. Aged in French and American oak barrels, of which 15% was new oak, the barrels were specifically selected to compliment the supple structure of our Merlot. 

Tasting Notes

Aromas of maraschino cherries, black raspberries, cran-raspberry, plum medley and a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove join   together in a single sensation of olfactory bliss. The mouth is  filled with an array of flavors, including spiced raspberries, plum compote and cran-raspberry juice with a lingering hint of cinnamon sprinkled over raspberry and plum sauce. Bright red fruit tannins and good acidity leave a pleasing, long lasting, soft finish.