If there had been more of this wine available, we would have sent a mailout urging everyone to give it a try, but as with so many of the small producers we work with, there just wasn’t enough stock available (24 bottles to be precise!). So, if you’ve been inquisitive enough to find this tasting note on our website, then may we politely suggest you reward yourself for your intrepidity by popping one or two bottles in your basket. You won’t regret it.

We would like to think that this wine embodies the future direction of Californian wine, taking the inescapable ripeness that the ‘sunshine state’ confers, but vinifying with a more softly-softly approach, higher acidity, silkier tannins and less sweetness than the stereotypical Californian norm. Many winemakers say they seek subtlety and elegance, but few genuinely achieve it. However, Laura Brennan Bissell, who cut her teeth at Matthiasson, has absolutely nailed it with this glorious Merlot, which is awash with aromas of red flowers and polished cherry skins and a silky smooth, medium-bodied palate that evokes red plum, black tea, and vanilla. 13.5% alc. 80% Merlot. 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now-2028.