While working with our Napa Valley growers, we came across small vineyard lots of Merlot that managed to escape being replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon. Inspired to preserve these prestigious Merlot lots and introduce our distinct style of Napa Valley Merlot, Thorn was created. The final wine is a Merlot, blended with Syrah and Malbec. Aromas of savory spice, black cherry, and mocha with cedar and blackberry. The entry delivers an elegant balance with flavors of black plum and anise, along with hints of grilled rosemary and toasted oak. Velvety, chocolate tannins develop into a robust finish. Aromas of savory spice, black cherry, and mocha with ...

Balanced, rich and explosive. Think red plums and bittersweet cocoa with hints of smoke and cedar. So smooth, so naughty, and so very, very nice. DESCRIPTION: 2011 The Velvet Devil Merlot — Columbia Valley 83% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Syrah TASTING NOTES: Classic Merlot aromas of dark cherries, cedar, pipe tobacco. Anise, stone and cherry blossoms. Yeah, believe it! Super smooth....a true Velvet Devil. FOOD PAIRINGS: Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Lentils VINEYARDS: Milbrandt, Purple Sage, Upland, Art den Hoed

Bright aromas and flavors of smooth cherry, plum and strawberry with hints of cedar, black olive and spice—supported by a supple texture with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. These qualities come from choice Central Coast Merlot grapes. Coastal California is the kind of place Merlot grapes love to grow. Not too warm, not too cold, a little bit of rainfall. Makes our coastal Merlot just right. SEE: Dark red SMELL: Cherry and ripe plum TASTE: Raspberry, cherry, mocha PAIR: Roasted chicken, pasta