Estate grown & bottled. Established 1962. Wetzel family estate. First planted on the gently sloping hillsides of our family's estate vineyards in the 1960s, our Merlot is a bold wine. We prune heavily and drop fruit several times during the growing season to get concentration in the grapes. After fermentation we barrel age the wine to add complexity. Rich aromas of black fruit hint at the intensity. There are multi-layered flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum, along with a touch of spice and a long finish. Enjoy now, or age for a decade or more. The Wetzel Family Estate, located on the property settled in the 1840s by Alexander Valley namesake Cyrus Alexander, showcases the history, tradition and excellence of the region. avvwine.com. Alc. 14.0% by vol. Produced and bottled by Alexander Valley Vineyards Healdsburg, California.