The 2016 Merlot is made from 65% estate-grown fruit, with 50% coming from the Suscol Springs vineyard and 15% from the Cakebread Winery Ranch vineyard. It was aged 17 months in 44% new French oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it has a softly spoken nose of warm plums, blackberry pie and Black Forest cake with suggestions of menthol, tobacco and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is gently swathed in soft, plush tannins and has loads of juicy black fruits, lifted with a lively line of freshness and finishing with a minty kick.