Merlot is a noble, rich and plump transplant from the wealthiest of Bordeaux estates. It's an early-ripening grape and loves the cooler climates of Washington State, the Santa Barbara area and Napa Valley's Los Carneros district.
Many people at first wondered why we planted several acres of Merlot in our cool Carneros Henry Ranch vineyard, an area proven for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (which we also planted.)