Shug Merlot, Sonoma Valley, USA 2016 Cabernet Franc richer style with black cherry

richer style with black cherry fruit and a note of pepper

unwinding in the glass with notes of white flowers

This is a wine that already shows great potential while also bringing something of the softer side of a grand Margaux

It's fully ripe at 14

Shug Merlot, Sonoma Valley, USA 2016 Cabernet Franc richer style with black cherryThis classically structured Merlot is crafted in the Bordeaux style that Walter Schug pioneered in California while winemaster of Joseph Phelps Vineyards (1973 to 1983). The Merlot grapes were grown on the Sangiacomo vineyards in the Carneros district of southern Sonoma Valley. This cooler microclimate provides the longer growing season necessary for Merlot to ripen slowly and develop maximum flavor, while retaining good acid balance. This Merlot has