A rich, dark garnet color in the glass with vibrant purple shimmer, this Merlot displays aromas of ripe plum, rich cocoa, blueberry, and violet with hints of juicy black cherry. A luscious mouthfeel full of dark fruit, hints of sweet spice, and restrained astringency lead into a delicious, lingering finish filled with toasty oak undertones. Producer Information Hahn Family Wine is one of the oldest operating estates in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey, California. The company makes wines from various varieties and regions, but is particularly known for its Pinot Noir wines from estate vineyards. The estate now covers 650 acres (260 hectares) in the Santa Lucia Highlands, and 460 acres (190 hectares) in the Arroyo Seco AVA. The estate was set up by Swiss couple Nicolaus and Gaby Hahn with the purchase of the Smith and Hook vineyards in 1979. At the time, the area was much better known for horses and livestock than it was for wines. Hahn's first vintage was released in 1980 and Nicky Hahn led the move to establish the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, which was achieved in 1992. Hahn Family Wine makes four single-vineyard Pinot Noirs under the name Lucienne: Lone Oak, Doctor's, Smith and Hook. The Hahn SLH range comprises a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the estate vineyards, and the third tier is simply called Hahn, which also draws on Arroyo Seco fruit and includes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a GSM blend. The group also owns the Boneshaker brand and the Smith & Hook label which produces two Cabernet Sauvignon wines: a Central Coast release and the Paso Robles West Side cuvée.
