As a historic mountain winery that has built its reputation on Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends, we don’t often have the opportunity to showcase our estate’s Merlot—but 2022 was an exception. While tasting through the maturing barrels, winemaker John Giannini was captivated by a lot of Merlot from our North Ranch vineyard. As it developed, its fruit character deepened and intertwined with the barrel’s toasted sugars, further convincing him that this lot deserved to be bottled on its own as the first Mount Veeder Winery Estate Merlot. With only 70 cases produced, is a testament to our dedication in both the vineyard and the cellar.