Located at the 1,200-foot elevation, almost at the summit of Mount Veeder, Paras Vineyard is a remote and rugged site to grow grapes. Low vigor volcanic soils limit vine growth, producing grape clusters weighing less than one quarter of a pound and barely enough to fit in the palm of the hand. As a result, yields from this vineyard rarely exceed three tons per acre. These factors combine to produce wines with a pronounced mountain signature, displaying great fruit intensity in their youth, yet aging gracefully for decades.

The grapes for our Paras Merlot were picked on three different days and fermented in three separate small lots. The wine was then lightly pressed to allow the fruit to dominate the mountain tannins. Paras Vineyard's mountain-grown grapes extend the boundary for Merlot in complexity and extract. Concentrated blackberry jam and ripe wild berry aromas are integrated with cedar, ripe currant and dark chocolate notes. The wine's smooth integrated tannins and optimal acidity balance the concentrated wild fruit flavors. To express the vineyard's wild nature, this wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

This isn't your typical Merlot. For food pairings, think of this more as a rich, sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignon. Simple preparations of full-flavored meats such as a grilled rack of lamb or filet mignon, or grilled duck breast with a Merlot reduction sauce will highlight the Paras Merlot's complexity and elegance.