H.L.R. Cellars Merlot Fountaingrove District Sonoma County 2018

While Sonoma is most known for producing high-caliber Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, they also have stunning Cabernets and Merlots! If you're looking for a welcome shift in style and perspective, then I invite you to look over the Mayacamas Mountains into Sonoma County. The glamorous estates that define the Napa Valley give way to meandering country roads dotted with quaint vineyards and picturesque farm homes. Tucked up high on the hillside is one such winery - H.L.R. Cellars - established in 2010 by Steve and Joan Heller. Their 15-acre property has a history of farming that dates back to the 1880's, but when the Hellers purchased it, it was in desperate need of updating. Luckily, Steve and Joan had the imagination necessary to envision what it could become. 

The development of H.L.R Cellars and Heller Family Vineyards coincided with the founding of a new AVA called the Fountaingrove District . With final approval wrapping up in March of 2015, we have only just begun to see this AVA popping up on labels. The Fountaingrove District AVA sits on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas range and is comprised of 38,000 acres, only 600 of which are planted to grapes. Vineyards are typically small with a median size of 12 acres, and almost all are family-owned. The designation has been a long time coming, especially considering that Napa Valley's Diamond Mountain AVA stops at the peak of the Mayacamas range despite the unique volcanic soils spilling over into the Sonoma side of the mountain. In other words, H.L.R delivers the unique terroir of Napa's prized Diamond Mountain without the sticker shock! 

The climate of the Fountaingrove District AVA is unique as well. While it is considerably farther inland than most other Sonoma County AVAs, the gap in the Sonoma Mountains at the city of Santa Rosa allows the maritime influence to penetrate the AVA. As a result, Cabernets made in the area tend toward lower alcohol and more subtle flavors than the hotter vineyard sites just miles away. 

The 2018 Merlot has a juicy palate of blackberries, red cherry, raspberries, and plums with hints of vanilla and cedar that show the 22 months the wine spent in French oak barrels, of which 50% were new. Soft tannins draw out the finish, which ends with a delightful amount of acidity brought on by the cooler growing region. Only 114 cases were produced!