The Markham Vineyards Merlot from Napa Valley is aged for 15 months in a mixture of new and old French and American oak. On the nose black cherry and cassis aromas are layered with hints of vanilla, mint and toasted nuts. Elegant and supple on the palate, the juicy plum and cherry fruit flavors are punctuated with cola and black pepper spice. The tannins remain chewy through to the finish.