he fruit for our Classic Sonoma County Merlot comes from vineyards in Sonoma County's Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys. Extended maceration enhances color, flavor and mouthfeel, and aging for 18 months in 60-gallon oak barrels adds softness and a subtle vanillin component. We blend small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon to add structure and complexity, which enlivens the subtle texture and plum-like fruitiness that is the hallmark of fine Merlot.