Grapes Grown by inPaolo De’Andrea in the Oldest Merlot Vineyard in the State

Silver Medal Winner at the 2024 State Wine Competition

Bold, luxurious, and profoundly expressive, this Grand Reserve Merlot is crafted from the oldest Merlot vineyard in New Mexico, where more than 40-year-old vines produce fruit of extraordinary concentration and complexity. Aromas of juicy black plum, blackberry, and blueberry are layered with fragrant notes of chai tea, cinnamon, bittersweet cocoa, and subtle cedar. The palate is broad, generous, and impeccably balanced, revealing rich flavors of sweet black plum, blueberry, black cherry, and ripe cassis intertwined with anise, smoke, and warm baking spice. Silky tannins and vibrant natural acidity create remarkable structure and elegance, while the old vines impart exceptional depth and length. Powerful yet refined, this Grand Reserve Merlot is built to evolve beautifully for years to come.

Appearance:

Deep garnet with an inky core and brilliant clarity, reflecting exceptional concentration and maturity.

Nose:

Rich and complex, revealing black plum, blueberry, blackberry, and cassis accented by chai tea, cinnamon, bittersweet cocoa, cedar, and delicate smoke.

Palate:

Dry and full-bodied, with generous flavors of sweet black plum, blueberry, black cherry, and ripe blackberry. Layers of anise, bittersweet chocolate, smoke, and warm spice unfold across the palate with remarkable richness and finesse.

Structure:

Full-bodied with velvety, fine-grained tannins and vibrant natural acidity. Fruit from 40-plus-year-old vines delivers exceptional concentration, balance, and depth, creating a wine with outstanding aging potential.

Finish:

Long, seamless, and elegant, lingering with dark fruit, cocoa, chai spice, smoke, and a refined mineral character.

Food Pairings:

This Grand Reserve Merlot showcases the remarkable intensity that only mature vines can achieve. Pair with dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, smoked brisket, roasted lamb, wild mushroom dishes, or aged Gouda and Parmigiano Reggiano. A wine of exceptional depth, complexity, and longevity, it is equally compelling today or after years of careful cellaring.