Whitehall Lane Merlot

Blend: 80% Merlot 13% Syrah 7% Cabernet Sauvignon

The Vintage: The 2016 growing year was picture perfect, starting with a mild winter with very little rain. Bud break began early and the start of our growing season came to fruition. Spring weather was also cool and summer warmed up nicely, allowing the fruit to mature at an even rate, creating optimum conditions for flavor development. Our Merlot grapes were harvested in late September and early October when they were in perfect balance.

Winemaking: The Merlot grapes were grown at the winery’s Estate vineyard in Rutherford and select vineyards from St. Helena and Oak Knoll AVAs in the Napa Valley. The Cabernet Sauvignon came predominantly from Whitehall’s Millennium MM vineyard in Rutherford. e Malbec came from a select vineyard in the Napa Valley while the Petit Verdot came from our Fawn Park Estate in St. Helena. Whitehall Lane has always utilized the art of blending to make a Merlot with layers of flavors, complexity, and balance. These elements assist with the goal of varietal typicity in creating the perfect Merlot. e fruit was fermented at an average of 85°F with gentle pump-overs for excellent flavor and color extraction. e wine was aged in 35 % new French oak and 65% neutral barrels for 20 months. The 2016 Merlot was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes: Candied black cherries and pomegranates burst out of this wine aromatically, coupled with graphite, cocoa dust, fresh tobacco leaf, cherry cola, baked croissant, and toasted vanilla. On the palate, this Merlot has fine, firm tannins alongside red currants, strawberry rhubarb pie, raspberry coulis, toasted walnuts, leather, and spice. It is supple in texture and shows attractive depth on the finish. Enjoy right now and through 2026 with proper cellaring.