2019 Little Frances Mendocino Merlot

VARIETAL: Merlot
REGION: California, USA
VITICULTURE: Organic/Sustainable
WINEMAKER: Erin Pooley

Merlot is a lover's grape and this wine is aptly perfumed with roses and clove. A gentle tannin structure supports its bright purple fruit profile. Simultaneously offering friendly approachability and reserved power, this wine is guaranteed to win your heart. Decanting recommended. Drink now to 2030.

Mohawk Trail Vineyard, in conversion to organics and mindfully farmed by Rick Dutra, is in the Redwood Valley sub-appellation of Mendocino County. It's about 15 minutes north of Ukiah on the western edge of the Russian River Valley. At 200m above sea level, the well draining iron-rich soils help maintain a perfect balance in these vines.

Sydney-born and raised, but making wine in California since 2012, Erin Pooley has now returned home, basing herself in the historic town of Beechworth. Good farming, light-handed winemaking, and occasional extended ageing of whites are her hallmarks. Semillon forms the flagship of her production, having inspired her to get into wine in the first place. She will continue to make wines from Californian vineyards, as well as working with local growers to put her unique life and winemaking experiences to work.