2016 Chateau St. Jean Merlot, Dry Creek Valley

This Merlot is blended with 11% Cabernet Sauvignon by selecting barrels with the greatest varietal focus and expression. The Merlot was fermented in small lots and aged for 17 months in roughly half American and half French oak barrels before being blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 17 months in American oak, and bottled. The Dry Creek Merlot opens with Aromas and flavors of dried cherry and plum are joined with black fruits and savory notes of lavender and licorice with hints of white pepper. Well balanced with good structure and a plush mouthfeel, with evident tannins and a noticeably lingering finish.