Merlot

Vineyards

Quattro Theory Merlot is predominantly sourced from two vineyards: Antica Vineyard and Vista Montone. Antica, located in Foss Valley of Soda Canyon in the Atlas Peak AVA, runs north to south at 1,500 feet and benefits from cool nights and daytime temperatures influenced by the Carquinez Strait. Planted in 1996 to clone 181, this late-ripening site allows for extended hang time and flavor development. Vista Montone, situated just east of Carneros in Napa Valley, is named for its sweeping views of the Bay and Carneros hills—“Vista Montone” meaning “view of the sheep.” This 2.26-acre vineyard features a single block of Merlot, first planted in 2018.

Growing Season

2023 was marked by a long, mild growing season with above-average yields and extended hang time, resulting in wines of exceptional quality, freshness, and elegance. Ideal weather conditions and slow, steady ripening led to full phenolic maturity, producing red wines with deep color, refined tannins, and the structure for long-term aging.

Winemaking

Our cellar is set up with every step intentionally designed to emphasize natural aromatics and varietal character. The grapes are chilled to 40°F to heighten aromatics and minimize astringency, then sorted by cluster then berry by our optical sorting system before undergoing a three-to-five-day cold soak. Careful yeast selection and an even, moderate fermentation temperature is key in maintaining the wine’s sense of place. Tannin extraction is constantly analyzed so the wine can be drained off the skins at the ideal flavor, concentration, structure and color, then finish fermenting to dry. The preliminary blend, which includes Bordeaux blenders for added complexity in fruit character and mouthfeel, is assembled once the wine completes malolactic fermentation in tank to ensure integration. The wine then ages for 15 months in primarily 500L (132 gallon) puncheons to promote a balance of fruit, a rich mid-palate and nuanced oak.

Experience

This cool climate Merlot is designed for food. It is balanced in all aspects with medium bodied red fruit, soft plum, wet earth, a hint of coffee bean, wild strawberry, black cherry, and green olive. The rich and broad palate leads to a long and juicy finish.