As a pure bottling of merlot, the 2024 Vintner Select Merlot showcases the gravitas of this often-underappreciated varietal. Out of the gate, this year’s bottling offers a heady mix of boysenberry, blackberry and an elegant touch of raspberry. While the fruit is front and center, it is enveloped by warm aromas of cedar, dried rosemary and roasted fennel bulb. As that initial volley relents, nuanced elements of potter’s clay, bay leaf and fresh nutmeg cautiously emerge. Texturally, this is the epitome of mountain merlot, gaining energy and weight with each passing second through the full-bodied finish. This wine exemplifies to us just how amazing merlot can be. Delicious now but save some for 5-15 years down the road.