Among the cognoscenti, Albini is the best-kept secret among the state's top Merlot producers. With a tiny production of only a couple of hundred cases, this hand-made wine is combines elegance and power in equal measure, yet it retains Merlot's essential smoothness and drinkability. Made from low-yielding grapes, fermented with the grapes indigenous yeast in open-top fermenters, everything is carefully handled to express the essence of the grapes' character and richness. This should age very well, but it's balanced enough to enjoy now, and is even better with an hour in the decanter. An outstanding Merlot from Sonoma County.
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