Nose

The 2012 vintage of our Estate Collection Merlot opens
with captivating aromas of jam, anise, black cherry and
just a touch of currant.

Palate

Well-balanced on the palate, this
wine showcases intricate flavors of blueberries, dark fruits
and finely grained oak.

Growing Conditions

The Estate Collection is a series of limited-production
wines available only at the Raymond Estate. Sourced
from our finest estate vineyards and longtime vineyard
partners, each wine represents our winemaking team’s
commitment to crafting wines worthy of our five
generation winemaking legacy in Napa Valley.

The grapes for our Estate Collection Napa Valley Merlot
are grown primarily on steep hillside vineyards in the
southern reaches of Napa Valley with a small portion
coming from our estate vineyard. The cooler climate and
rocky soils of southern Napa allow the grapes to fully
ripen without extreme heat and result in a rich and
texturally complex Merlot.

Winemaking

After the grapes were hand-picked and sorted, the wine
spent an average of 20 days on the skins.

Aging

Aged for 20 months in 35% new French oak. The tightly
grained barrels provide textural complexity, added depth,
and a plush, full body.

Food Pairing

Enjoy this wine with roasted
duck, flank steak, or grilled mushrooms.