2000 Arrowood Grand Archer Merlot

Arrowood Vineyards and Winery was founded in Sonoma, California, in 1986 by Richard and Alis Arrowood. Richard was the original winemaker at Chateau St. Jean and while there produced some of the state’s first single-vineyard wines. Arrowood’s first vintage under his own label was 1987, and in 1990 Richard left Chateau St. Jean to devote himself full time to Arrowood. Since then the 20-acre estate, half of which is in Sonoma Valley and half in the Russian River Valley, has been acquired first by Robert Mondavi then by the wine and spirits conglomerate Constellation. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that despite the change in ownership “things have changed little, which is good news for wine consumers, as this has long been a noteworthy source for beautiful white and red wines. Arrowood has no weak spots in its portfolio.”

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.