2018 Peter Franus Napa Valley Merlot

The 2018 visually greets you with a youthful dark ruby hue. The nose is effusive with black cherry, ripe plum, hint of thyme, sweet oak, and rose petal and urges you to taste. The initially firm structure leads to a refreshing and complex mouth with black cherry, anise, and spice notes. The tannin, acid, and fruit balance is impeccable, always a hallmark of this wine. The lengthy finish is the icing on the cake, and the 2018 is poised to last many years. “Delicious” is the word. As I often say when presenting this wine, “if you don’t like this, you don’t like wine!”

Vinification

Vineyards: Stewart Vineyard Carneros
Composition: 100% Merlot
Harvest Date: September 24, 2018
Fermentation: 7 days, up to 85º
Maceration: 15 days total before pressing

Oak aging: 19 months, French 45% new
Bottling Date: May 5, 2020
Production: 409 cases