2014 Markham Yountville Estate Merlot

Markham Vineyards was founded in 1852 by a French immigrant who discovered that making wine in northern California was more profitable than panning for gold. In the late 19th century the estate, then called Laurent, was one of the state’s largest winemakers. In the 20th century the estate went through several owners and decades of disrepair, until 1978 when Bruck Markham acquired it. In 1988 the estate was called to the Mercian Corp., which is part of the Japanese beer brewer Kirin. Bryan Del Bondio is Senior Advisor, and Kimberlee Nicholls in winemaker. Markham is known for its red wines.

Yountville AVA is just west of Stags Leap and north of Oak Knoll. It is centered around the town of Yountville, named for George Yountville, who planted the area’s first vineyard in 1836. The district received appellation status in 1999 and it includes 4,000 vineyard acres. It is known for tannic Cabernet Sauvignon that has a reputation for aging well. Dominus Estate, formerly Napanook Vineyard, is one of the most prestigious producers in Yountville, and in all of Napa Valley.

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.