Capturing and presenting Merlot’s style and charm has been our primary mission since our founding. Our enthusiasm for Merlot is the stimulus for producing this Merlot grown in the Atlas Peak appellation. This Atlas Peak Merlot joins the good company of our Napa Valley and Reserve Merlot bottlings. The mountain-grown grapes of Atlas Peak produced a Merlot with exceptional concentration and structure. We were so impressed by this particular lot that bottling it as a single appellation wine was the natural step. This Merlot delivers the heft and structure expected balanced very gracefully on plush accessible tannins.

This singular expression of Merlot provides dark aromas of blackberry, blueberry, vanilla and spice with hints of violet. It has a rich, generous tannin structure and is full-bodied with dark berry flavors, baking spices and a long finish.

At Rutherford Hill our mission is to produce rich and full-flavored wines, most noticeably merlots, that reflect the world class terrior of the Napa Valley. Over the years, we have accomplished our goal and pledge to continue [producing astounding Merlot that will make us proud to have our name on it. Our Cask Reserve Merlot displays the best we have to offer. After our meticulous barrel selection we produced 600 cases this year.

The vineyards enjoyed idyllic growing conditions with consistent weather and milder temperatures in 2018. The beginning of the year was notably dry; however, well-timed rainfall just before budbreak provided the necessary water for canopy development. Flawless conditions ensued during flowering and fruit set which led to higher-than-average yields. While the season got off to a later start, veraison occurred only seven days later than the average which gave the fruit the necessary time to ripen perfectly.