2005 Chalk Hill Merlot

Chalk Hill Winery is a 280-acre estate in the Russian River Valley of California. It was founded in 1982 by Frederick and Peggy Furth, but in 2010 it was sold to the Foley Family Wines conglomerate. William Foley is a Florida-based businessman who owns numerous wine estates in California and elsewhere. The winery has long been known for its Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs though today it also makes Syrah, Cabernet-Malbec, Pinot Gris and Viognier.

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.