The nine-acre Suscol Ranch is located in Jamieson Canyon, south of the city of Napa. The area is very cool, with dense fog early in the season and windy conditions all year long. The vines are planted on a gentle, north-facing knoll of deep, loamy soil and are cordon trained to give the grapes maximum sun exposure. The cool conditions allow the fruit to mature slowly, gracefully developing flavors and mature tannins.The 2010 Suscol Merlot is a captivating wine with flavors of dark plum, herb and cedar. Earthy notes blend harmoniously with the spicy French oak, while the texture of the wine resembles a combination of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is complete from front to finish and its unique character offers a suppleness on the palate that few Merlots achieve. From year to year, this wine’s distinctiveness lies in the lush, velvety tannins that expand upon the initial sip and develop with richness through the finish