A pure merlot with beautiful texture and tension. Silky, refined tannins. Bright, vibrant acidity. Full-bodied but reserved and harmonious. Hints of minerals and fresh herbs under the dark fruits. Delicious to taste now but better in 2018.

The first vintage of this wine was made in 1993. The 2012 La Ricolma is a very unique expression of Merlot. Usually this grape offers so much to the nose, but less in terms of structure or firmness in the mouth. In this vintage the opposite is true. The bouquet is more subdued in terms of its dark cherry, blackberry and spice. The palate shows tight tannins, bright acidity and loads of deep cherry flavors. The wine is shapely, delineated and focused in this vintage. - Monica Larner