2019 Herson Family - Merlot Napa Access (750ml)

Herson Family Vineyards has an unusually fitting origin story: its proprietors are a husband-and-wife team of Washington, D.C. lobbyists, one a Democrat and the other a Republican, who named each wine as a playful nod to their profession. The Chardonnay is called Influence, the Cabernet Sauvignon Persuasion, and the Merlot Access. Behind the scenes, the wines are crafted by Bob Foley, who began his winemaking career in 1977 after earning degrees in viticulture and enology from UC Davis, working first at Heitz Cellars before spending fifteen years as founding winemaker at Markham Vineyards.

Access draws its fruit from Calistoga, at the northern end of Napa Valley, where warm days and cooling mountain air help Merlot develop full ripeness without losing structure. The wine blends a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon into the Merlot base for added backbone, then ages roughly eighteen months in French oak, a portion of it new. Foley keeps production intentionally small, favoring instinct and a hands-on approach over any reliance on technology or shortcuts in the cellar.

This Merlot shows a dense purple color and aromas of black cherry, black currant, and chocolate, with a touch of Asian plum sauce adding intrigue. The palate is rich and full-bodied, layered and complex, built to age gracefully over the next decade. It pairs well with grilled duck breast, a bittersweet chocolate dessert, or aged Manchego.