A balanced body subtle tannins give sense of the oak barrel aging. The aroma is full of juicy cherry that is nicely framed with gentle notes of spice, vanilla and toasted oak.

Bret Neal does everything in his power, to allow high quality Merlot grapes to express their natural character and integrity. The harvest was carefully de-stemmed, so that excess tannin would not taint the juice during crush. The must was soaked, prior to fermentation, for an added infusion of delicate complexity. This vintage also underwent 100% malolactic fermentation, to give it a softer, smoother mouth feel. Barrel aging in oak for an average of 10 months finish the character of the fruit with a structure of great balance.  There was no fining and very light filtration.