2019 Herson Family - Merlot Napa Access (750ml)
2019 Herson Family Merlot Access from Calistoga, Napa Valley, exemplifies small-batch winemaking with a measured approach. Access draws its fruit from Calistoga, at the northern end of Napa Valley, where warm days and cooling mountain air help Merlot achieve full ripeness without sacrificing structure. A small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon is blended into the Merlot base for backbone, then aged roughly eighteen months in French oak, a portion of it new. The proprietors—Washington, D.C. lobbyists who named each wine as a playful nod to their profession—favor instinct and a hands-on approach over shortcuts in the cellar. The result is a dense purple wine with expressive aromas and a palate that rewards aging, built to evolve gracefully over the next decade.
Tasting notes
- Aromas of black cherry, black currant, and chocolate, with a touch of Asian plum sauce adding intrigue.
- Dense purple color.
- Palate is rich and full-bodied, layered and complex, with a backbone that supports long-term aging.
Wine details
- Region: Calistoga, Napa Valley
- Varietal: Merlot with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage: 2019
- Winemaker: Bob Foley
- Aging: ~18 months in French oak, a portion new
- Production: small-batch
Food pairings
- Grilled duck breast
- Aged Manchego
- Bittersweet chocolate dessert