2017 Impensata Merlot Napa Valley 3 x 750mL

As our Ciminelli Vineyard on Howell Mountain was still in development in 2017, our budding friendship with David Abreu opened the door for us to purchase a pocket-sized amount of Merlot from his legendary Thorevilos Vineyard. Our debut vintage of Merlot was underway.

With limited fruit available and low yields however, production was minute, leading us to make the conscious decision to hold onto these precious wines, selfishly reserving them for personal enjoyment with family and friends. Fast forward to 2024, with the absence of a 2020 vintage to offer, we are opening up the cellar door to release a small tranche of the 2017 Merlot to our valued mailing list.

Our very first wine in barrel, the 2017 Merlot coming from the Thorevilos Vineyard (now known as Ecotone), was blended with 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc from Abreu's Las Posadas Vineyard on Howell Mountain. True to the vintage, this wine began as wild and hedonistic with an unabashed personality. With time in the cellar, the 2017 has evolved into a gorgeous wine dripping with finesse. Black cherry jam, cocoa powder, sweet spice, crushed flowers, pipe tobacco, and worn leather are seamlessly layered with dusty tannins and a silky mouthfeel. The finish is lively and lingering with sweet fruit and notes of savory dried herbs and flowers. With only 58 cases produced, this wine is extremely limited and will only be offered to our mailing list members.