Mountain-grown Napa Merlot from Barnett Vineyards, a small family estate 2,000 feet up on Spring Mountain. The 2023 is soft and silky with ripe black plum, vanilla bean, anise and a long black pepper and cola finish.

Barnett Vineyards has farmed its rocky, well-drained Spring Mountain District estate for more than 40 years, producing around 8,000 cases a year with organic farming and minimalist winemaking. The 2023 Spring Mountain Merlot jumps from the glass with black plum, vanilla bean and anise, layered with cola spice and dark roast coffee. The palate stays plush and viscous in the Barnett house style, with softer tannins this vintage and a lingering black pepper and cola finish. Aged 22 months in French oak. A serious Napa Merlot for lamb, duck or a mushroom-heavy pasta. 750ml, 14% ABV.