Larry Hyde Vineyard Estate Merlot Carneros 2016

94 Points Robert Parker

Notes from the Winemaker

This 2016 Merlot is expressive, showing floral notes of violets aromas, red currant, mixed berry and mint tones. The palate is supported by flavors of dark plum, blackberry, fig, chocolate and just a hint of mint before finishing long and rich with juicy acidity and grained tannings.

This near-perfect growing season started early, and we saw ideal weather conditions throughout the valley. Thanks to a relatively steady and mild July, August followed by a series of warm days at the end of the growing season allowing the grapes to progress to perfect ripeness.