The grapes were whole-berry destemmed and cold soaked for five days prior to inoculation and a warm ferment to dryness. During fermentation, the juice was pumped over twice daily in small capacity tanks for nine days. The wine was basket pressed off the skins and moved back to tank for full malolactic fermentation, then barreled down in separate lots for 18 months of aging in new French oak (Darnajou, Taransaud, Seguin Moreau, Bel Air). The 2021 Merus is the benchmark for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It is bold, brooding, and defined by its mouth-coating texture. Aromas and flavors evolve with each sip - caramel, cherry, blueberry, and blackberry, with notes of cinnamon and fig. A wine of great structure and power, it will continue to develop further complexity with bottle age and show best over the next 15-25 years.