Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot

Alexander Valley Vineyards sources Merlot from the Calistoga subregion of Alexander Valley, where volcanic soils and warm days create conditions favoring ripe, structured fruit. The vineyard's elevation and eastern aspect moderate heat, preventing overripeness while building phenolic maturity.

The wine undergoes traditional fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel, followed by aging in French and American oak for a period typical of North Coast Merlot production. This oak contact adds structure without overwhelming the varietal character. The resulting wine displays the medium body and moderate tannin profile characteristic of well-balanced Alexander Valley Merlot.

Alexander Valley Vineyards has maintained consistent production standards across multiple vintages, making this expression a reliable benchmark for California Merlot in the ฿1,700 range. Drink within 5–7 years of vintage for optimal freshness and fruit expression.