The 2017 Merlot Sangiacomo Vineyard comes from 33-year-old vines planted in gravelly clay loam, harvested on October 3. It aged in 25% new French oak. Medium to deep ruby, it's scented of cocoa, crushed black cherries, black plum and touches of vanilla bean with red cherry sparks. The palate is medium-bodied and very silky with elegantly restrained fruits, a granulated frame and integrated freshness, finishing long. This is a very pretty and fresh style of Merlot. 226 cases were made.

The 2017 Merlot Sangiacomo Vineyard is ripe, pliant and super-expressive. Leather, smoke, cedar, tobacco, incense, blackberry and chocolate all emerge over time. The 2017 is bold and racy, and yet it retains aromatic intensity despite its elevated ripeness. This is a decidedly earthy, savory style of Merlot.