Williams & Heim, Coombsville (Napa Valley, California) Merlot 2012

Here’s a new "garagiste" producer in San Diego’s North County, sourcing quality fruit from around California and producing some interesting, powerful wines. This Merlot comes from the Farella vineyard in the relatively new Coombsville appellation in Napa Valley’s southeast corner.  Winemaker Duncan Williams brings out the best in this fruit, showing vibrant black cherry, black raspberry and vanilla on the nose and in the mouth, with supple, structured tannins that promise improvement with age. That said, it’s quite approachable now with a long decant.  Go for something big and beefy as a pairing.  This first release makes this a winery to watch!