Ehlers Estate Merlot, St Helena, California, USA

A soulful expression of Napa Valley Merlot, the 2021 Ehlers Estate Merlot, St. Helena, California, delivers layered elegance and refined power from the heart of one of California’s most acclaimed wine regions. Sourced from certified organic estate vines, this wine embodies Ehlers Estate’s dedication to purity, terroir, and artisanal winemaking.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Merlot
• Alcohol: 15%
• pH: 3.65
• Farming: Certified organic estate fruit
• Fermentation: Stainless steel
• Aging: 18 monts in French oak barrels
• Winemaker: Laura Díaz Muñoz

Sensory Description:

Of the many great vintages here in Napa, 2021 is high amongst them. A dry winter and warm spring limited vine growth, resulting in small, intensely concentrated berries. A
mild autumn allowed for ideal ripening conditions, delivering perfectly matured fruits to the great relief of winemakers everywhere. The wines will slowly unfurl over what will be an exceptionally long window, each stage revealing new dimensions and features.

This Merlot opens with captivating aromatics of black cherry, ripe plum, and sun-warmed currant layered with cedar shavings, dried herbs, and a whisper of tobacco. The palate is supple yet structured, delivering rich dark berry flavors balanced by subtle espresso, vanilla bean, and a thread of savory dried herbs. Bright acidity and finely grained tannins provide lift and poise, while the long, lingering finish hums with notes of baking spice, graphite, and crushed rosemary.

Awards & Accolades:

• 93 Points – Wine Enthusiast
  “A classic Napa Valley expression… captures both power and elegance in a vintage marked by harmony.” — Wine Enthusiast, September 2022
• Silver – 2019 Vintage, Sommeliers Choice Awards (2022)

Winemaker's Background:

Founded on a commitment to sustainability and estate stewardship, Ehlers Estate crafts wines from its historic 42-acre vineyard in the heart of St. Helena. The estate has been certified organic since 2008, and each wine is made exclusively from estate-grown fruit. Under the guidance of winemaker Laura Díaz Muñoz, a microbiologist by training and a passionate artist by instinct, Ehlers has earned a reputation for wines that express both technical precision and emotional resonance.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the 2019 Ehlers Estate Merlot at 60–65°F (16–18°C) to showcase its balance of fruit and structure. Ideal pairings include rosemary-crusted lamb chops, wild mushroom risotto, and grilled duck breast. Decant for 30–45 minutes to allow full aromatic expression, or cellar through 2030 for added complexity.

Thoughtfully crafted and deeply expressive, the 2019 Ehlers Estate Merlot, St. Helena, USA, is both a tribute to classic Napa Valley Merlot and a distinctive expression of organically farmed terroir. With a mission that extends beyond the bottle and a winemaker who blends art with precision, this wine is a statement of excellence and purpose.