Mt. Brave, Mt. Veeder (Napa Valley, California) Merlot 2014

 This is serious mountain grown Merlot, sourced from vineyards at elevations between 1400 and 1800 feet on Mount Veeder, at the southern end of the Napa Valley.  At that elevation the cool nights help red wines retain freshness.  This beautifully structured Merlot has exceptional backbone combined with beautiful aromas of blueberry and boysenberry and fresh acidity.  Drinking beautifully now, though the tannins are firm and could benefit from another five to ten years in the cellar.