2022 Estate Merlot

Compelling and expressive of varietal character and terroir, the 2022 O’Brien Estate Merlot is a beautifully composed, full-bodied wine with both power and finesse. A densely intricate aromatic profile opens with classic Merlot signatures—black cherry, ripe plum, and crème de cassis—layered with evocative notes of humus-rich forest floor, tobacco leaf, and a touch of cedar. This combination creates an aromatic introduction that is both generous and grounded.

On the palate, the wine is supple, juicy, and seamless, with plush flavors of black cherry, cassis, and black plum unfolding into darker, more complex nuances of espresso, cocoa, and mineral-laced spice. The texture is silky and elegant, with a finely knit structure that delivers just enough cedary toast and tannin to frame the richness of the fruit without overwhelming it.

The finish is lasting and polished, showcasing the wine’s refined balance between fruit and earth, ripeness and restraint. Plush yet structured tannins provide a graceful conclusion. David Yorgensen - Consulting Winemaker