Schug Heritage Reserve Merlot 1998

Our Heritage Reserve Merlot features the Sangiacomo family's "Donnell Ranch" in Carneros, just a stone's throw north of our own Schug Estate vineyard. This vineyard teams up with the Ricci vineyard in Carneros to show what cool-climate Merlot is all about. The extremely long Carneros growing season allows the fruit to ripen slowly, allows the fruit to ripen slowly, developing maximum varietal character and depth of flavor while retaining bright acidity. It has a warm, spicy ripe cherry bouquet with hints of lavender and mint, deep color and full-bodied flavors of cherry, cassis and chocolate. Try it now with lamb, duck and rich cheeses, or age it for 5 to 7 years.