The grapes for our wine were selected exclusively from one of the finest Merlot blocks of the W.S. Keyes Vineyard Estate in the Howell Mountain AVA of Napa Valley. The 17-year-old vines, grafted to Clone 3 Merlot, are rooted in white volcanic soils. According to Winemaker Tom Peffer, the white soils on this part of the estate give this Merlot round, seamless tannins and outstanding density.

The vineyard lies at an elevation of 1,826 ft. on the Howell Mountain plateau, in Napa Valley’s eastern mountain range, giving it a climate distinctively different from the valley floor. Since the vineyard is above the night fog that frequently rolls into Napa Valley, nights are slightly warmer, while the altitude keeps daytime temperatures cooler. Harvest comes later, with long hang-times for the development of deep, complex flavors.