Whitehall Lane 2017 Merlot, Napa Valley

Dating back to the mid 1800’s, Napa Valley settlers were drawn to the gravelly loam soils and ideal climate, planting high quality grape vines at the Whitehall Lane Winery site. In 1979, two brothers built the winery and directed their winemaking efforts successfully to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Whitehall Lane is a small, family owned winery in Napa Valley’s historic Rutherford appellation, growing grapes in eight estate vineyards including the Leonardini Vineyard in St. Helena, using Napa Green certified and sustainable practices.


The grapes for this wine were cold soaked for 4-7 days, allowing for increased color, aroma, and flavor extraction. After inoculation with a select yeast, the grape must (juice, skins, and seeds) fermented at 82˚F, which allowed for a hot extraction on the skins. After fermentation and pressing, the wine was aged in 35% new French oak 20 months before bottling. The blend is 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot and the wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Wine Spectator scored this 93 points saying "This red offers an intensely fruity aroma, with well-knit flavors of plum tart, wild berry and dark cherry. A minerally snap lingers into the finish, offering luscious spiciness, with chocolate and dried green herbal nuances. Drink now through 2025."