2008 Howell Mountain Merlot

July Release - limited quantities available only through August 7, 2023

Our July library offer is a 15-year release that brought together two historic Howell Mountain vineyards situated a mile apart—in both geography and flavor profile. The chocolate-noted Merlot fruit from La Jota Estate's Meadow blocks ripened slowly on a welcoming, often-foggy plateau hemmed in at the edges by towering green forests. Just down the road in our W.S. Keyes Vineyard, the Merlot soaked up longer sunshine hours and different loam soil types, lending a pop of bright fruit and broader tannins.

Thanks to lavish time in the bottle, our 2008 Howell Mountain Merlot has come into its own and is ready to drink now. Winemaker Chris Carpenter describes it as "bursting with chocolate, creamy tannins, and blackberry, with a full mouth range of tannins."

Only 10 cases are available of our July offer in celebration of our 125th anniversary.