Grapes Grown by Sheehan Winery in Corrales at our “Lobo Vineyard”

2024 New Mexico State Wine Competition – Best Wine in the State (2020 Vintage)

Powerful, elegant, and profoundly expressive, this single-vineyard Merlot from Lobo Vineyard is a flagship expression of Sheehan Winery and New Mexico terroir. Estate-grown on the hillside slopes of Corrales, the vineyard's well-drained sandy soils naturally produce low yields of intensely flavored fruit with remarkable concentration and depth. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, ripe plum, and blackberry are layered with notes of violet, cedar, dark chocolate, and warm baking spice. The palate is rich and impeccably balanced, revealing luxurious dark fruit supported by silky, fine-grained tannins and vibrant natural acidity. Hints of espresso, tobacco, and graphite add complexity, leading to a seamless, age-worthy finish. The 2020 vintage earned the highest honor at the 2024 New Mexico State Wine Competition, recognized as Best Wine in the State.

Appearance:

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

Nose:

Complex and captivating, offering black cherry, cassis, ripe plum, and blackberry accented by violet, cedar, dark chocolate, tobacco, and subtle baking spice.

Palate:

Dry and full-bodied, with concentrated flavors of black cherry, cassis, dark plum, and blackberry. Layers of cocoa, espresso, graphite, and warm spice create remarkable depth while preserving purity of fruit.

Structure:

Full-bodied with velvety, fine-grained tannins and vibrant natural acidity. The hillside slopes and sandy soils of Lobo Vineyard produce a wine of exceptional concentration, precision, and balance with outstanding aging potential.

Finish:

Long, seamless, and beautifully persistent, lingering with dark fruit, cocoa, cedar, mineral notes, and elegant spice.

Food Pairings:

Crafted exclusively from estate-grown grapes at Lobo Vineyard in Corrales, New Mexico, this single-vineyard Merlot represents the pinnacle of Sheehan Winery's estate program. Pair with dry-aged ribeye, beef Wellington, braised short ribs, rack of lamb, wild mushroom risotto, or aged Gouda and Parmigiano Reggiano. A wine of extraordinary depth and refinement, it is equally rewarding today and after years of careful cellaring.