Sangiacomo Vineyard Merlot

Pulled the cork about 30 minutes before and allowed to breath. This was my selection to commemorate International Merlot Day…which I guess is a thing? Anyway, the 2018 O&F “Sangiacomo” Merlot pours a deep ruby color with medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. There is actually a huge amount of sediment already…not sure if I got a bottle that was filled from the bottom of the barrel or what but I can confirm that it was significant. Otherwise, the wine was extremely youthful. On the nose, initially reductive and predominately dark fruited with some purple flowers, and graphite. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. This comes across as extremely primary. The dark fruits are confirmed: tart plums and dark cherry along with some tar as well. The wine has a bit of a green streak to it but I’m confident that will sort itself out with some cellar time. The finish is long and full of energy. The 2018 Sangiacomo Merlot would welcome a meal and otherwise, requires some patience. I thought the best glass was the last glass as it started to stretch its legs after a couple of hours. I would hold until 2028 before opening another bottle. This should drink well past 2035. 441 cases made.