2015 Mayacamas Merlot Mount Veeder

94 | James Suckling

The 2015 Mayacamas Merlot from Mount Veeder is a beautifully restrained and expressive mountain wine. It opens with aromas of bing cherry, red currant, wild herbs, and crushed stones, complemented by subtle notes of tobacco and fresh-cut floral stems. On the palate, it offers high acidity, ripe and textured tannins, and flavors of forest fruits, crunchy red plums, brambly raspberry, and a touch of gravelly minerality. The finish is fresh, lively, and moderately long, showcasing the wine’s purity and mountain character. This vintage reflects Mayacamas’ traditional winemaking style and is ideal for aging or enjoying now with decanting.

About Winery

Founded in 1889, Mayacamas stands as one of the most storied vineyard and winery operations in the history of American wine. Through its more than 125 years of production, Mayacamas has earned its place as a standard-bearer of traditional winemaking, and the source of some of California’s most iconic and longest-lived bottles.

Named for mountain range that divide the Napa and Sonoma valleys, the old stone winery was dug into the side of a dormant volcano crater in 1889 and has remained in production ever since. For generations, methods and tools have been passed from owner to owner, and the Mayacamas style has remained remarkably consistent.

As the newest owners in a lineage of pioneering caretakers spanning numerous generations, we faithfully steward Mayacamas towards a bright future, ever mindful of the great traditions of the past. Since 2013, our team has worked tirelessly to restore all aspects of the Mayacamas operation, ensuring continued success for this unique American story.