Dark cherry preserves, eucalyptus leaf, ripe strawberry. Plum liqueur, star anise, black raspberry jam. A powerful parade of dense yet lively fruit led by marionberry, black currant, and licorice booms with excellent concentration and purity as notes of rolling tobacco, cedar, and blistered shishito pepper gracefully impart a compelling pyrazinic edge. Wafts of blooming violet, rose petal, and potpourri reveal complex floral perfume enhanced by intriguing spice tones of nutmeg, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper flakes. Impressions of shaved chocolate and coffee beans expose bits of pleasantly understated decadence gorgeously offset by iron-rich earthy hints of volcanic soil, asphalt, and graphite. Remarkably energetic, textured, and multidimensional on the palate within an admirably well balanced and classically styled presentation; exhibiting a wonderful combination of freshness, expressiveness, and depth that comes across as unquestionably serious and ageworthy. Medium plus bodied with elevated tannin supported by bright acidity. This 2018 Woolard Family Vineyard Merlot by Tom Mackey Cellars is a bold and beautiful red from Sonoma Valley.

Located in the area surrounding the town of Sonoma just over the Mayacamas Mountains from Napa Valley, the Sonoma Valley is one of California's most historic winegrowing regions and it continues to produce absolutely outstanding wine today. This bottling, crafted by Tom Mackey Cellars using Merlot sourced from the Woolard Family Vineyard in Sonoma Valley, captivatingly captures the complexity and class that this legendary region can shape. This wine expresses a deep yet wonderfully lively fruit profile packed with a combination of ripe black and red fruits, and it compliments them with pretty spice notes, intriguing florals, pleasant earthiness, and lightly green herbal charm. Although currently drinking well this will likely require another 5+ years to hit its peak, and it should hold well for a decade or more. Excellent.