Barnett Spring Mountain District Merlot 2023 - 750ml

94pts Jeb Dunnuck

Based on 97% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 65% new French oak, the 2023 Merlot comes from the estate vineyard on Spring Mountain. Juicy black cherries, leather, graphite, sappy herbs, and a kiss of minerality emerge from the glass. It's medium to full-bodied, fresh, focused, has integrated acidity, ripe tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This brilliantly balanced and impressive Merlot should keep for two decades. Drink 2025-2045.

92pts James Suckling

A powerful, slightly rustic red with strong tannins wrapping around dark cherry, black plum and dried blueberry flavors. The tannins are firm and fine-grained, restraining the fruit flavors. Also laced with cocoa, graphite and tobacco leaf notes that linger nicely on the finish.

Winemaker Notes

Dark purple and opaque, this is one of the darkest Merlots we have made. Plum and caramel jump out of the glass matched by a myriad of spices. There are also aromatics of vanilla and crushed violets. Round and lush the palate has flavors of dark cherries and cream coffee. The tannins are full and chalky due to the cool year. Great acidity balances out the beautiful tannins and the finish is filled with plum and cocoa. This wine will age wonderfully over the next 9-10 years