1997 Whitehall Lane Knights Valley Merlot

Whitehall Lane is a 62-acre estate in Rutherford, Napa Valley. It was founded in 1979 by two entrepreneurs, who later sold it to a Japanese businessman. In 1993 it was purchased by Tom Leonardini Sr., a San Francisco wine retailer. The Leonardini family upgraded the estate and it is today run by Tom and his adult children. Whitehall produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and dessert wines.

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.