Merlot, Oakville

Taub Family Vineyards traces its roots back four generations–mere days after the repeal of Prohibition. Wine has always been at the heart of the family's story. Marc D. Taub, raised with a profound reverence for winemaking, inherited this passion from his grandfather Marty, a pivotal figure in the wine industry since the early 1930s and later, his father David. In 2013, Marc acquired Heritance Vintners in Napa Valley, now transformed as Taub Family Vineyards. With their namesake, Marc and his son Jake look to explore Napa's most dynamic sub-appellations and single vineyards to build their own storied cabernet house, curating wines from some of the Valley's most esteemed sites.

This merlot from the Oakville AVA, is planted with Clone 3, on fluvial soils and fine-grained sandy loam. This is a dry-farmed vineyard.

Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and hand-sorted. Cold soak for 3-5 days, followed by approx. 14 days of fermentation with three daily pump-overs. Fermented to dry on skins with an additional 7–14 days extended maceration to optimize the flavor, mouthfeel and tannin structure of the wine. Drained, pressed, and transferred to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and ageing. Aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak.

Brilliant red and purple hues. Bright aromas of red fruit, plum and dark cherry burst from the glass, intermingled with crushed slate, and dried herbs. Displays classic Oakville vibrant fruit and richness with a soft, rounded, and pleasantly textured palate laced with supple, silky tannins. Mouth-filling and juicy flavors of red and black cherries, kirsch and dark chocolate are wrapped in complex, complementary brushes of baking spice, cedar, cigar box, and well-integrated sweet, toasty oak. The youthful fruit and graceful structure are balanced by fresh, lively acidity that softens to a polished, elegant, and lengthy finish.