Grapes Grown by Scott Bannister in Las Cruces 

Silver Medal Winner at the 2024 State Wine Competition

Powerful, elegant, and impeccably balanced, this single-vineyard Merlot from El Legado Vineyard represents the pinnacle of New Mexico winemaking. Grown in Las Cruces by master farmer Scott Bannister, this exceptional vineyard consistently produces fruit of remarkable depth, structure, and longevity. Aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, and cassis are layered with notes of violet, cedar, cocoa, and subtle tobacco. The palate is rich and beautifully composed, revealing concentrated dark fruit supported by polished tannins and vibrant natural acidity. Hints of dark chocolate, espresso, and warm spice unfold with each sip, leading to a finish of exceptional length and refinement. Perfectly balanced and built to age gracefully, this Merlot carries on the legacy of the 2018 vintage, which earned the prestigious Best Wine in the Stateat the New Mexico State Wine Competition.

Appearance:

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

Nose:

Complex and refined, offering black cherry, cassis, ripe plum, and blackberry accented by violet, cedar, tobacco leaf, cocoa, and subtle baking spice.

Palate:

Dry and full-bodied, with concentrated flavors of black cherry, dark plum, blackberry, and cassis. Layers of dark chocolate, espresso, cedar, and savory spice add depth while preserving remarkable purity of fruit.

Structure:

Full-bodied with fine-grained, polished tannins and vibrant natural acidity. Beautifully balanced and impeccably structured, the wine possesses both immediate elegance and outstanding aging potential.

Finish:

Long, seamless, and exceptionally persistent, lingering with dark fruit, cocoa, cedar, warm spice, and a refined mineral character.

Food Pairings:

This single-vineyard Merlot is a benchmark expression of New Mexico terroir. Pair with beef tenderloin, braised short ribs, rack of lamb, wild mushroom risotto, duck confit, or aged Parmesan and Gouda. Its depth, balance, and age-worthy structure make it equally rewarding today or after years of careful cellaring.