The grapes for our Merlot are sourced from estate vineyards located in both the cooler, northern region, and the warmer, southern reaches of Monterey County. The fruit from the colder, maritime-influenced northern sites provides depth, elegance, spice and structure. Our southern vineyards experience warm, sunny days followed by strong winds in the late afternoon and chilly nights, producing grapes that contribute ripe aromatics and rich flavors, lushness, and soft, harmonious tannins. At the winery, the fruit is carefully sorted then destemmed, crushed and fermented at warm temperatures in stainless steel tanks. Gentle punchdowns are performed several times a day. Once dry, the must is pressed into stainless steel tanks for settling, then racked prior to aging on new and neutral French and American oak. Our Ryder Estate Merlot opens with deep aromas of blueberries, raspberries and ripe plums, with notes of vanilla and fresh tarragon. The flavors are broad, ripe and satisfying. The soft, integrated tannins lead into a lingering black fruit finish with hints of mocha and spice