Whalebone Vineyard, named for a fossilied whale skeleton in the limestone beneath it, was planted by John Greenshields in 1974 and bought by Tapanappa, a joint venture led by Brian Croser; in 2002. This is the first release of a merlot-cabernet franc, inspired by the wines of Bordeaux’s St Emilion sub-region. Ripe, sweet, pure, plummy-earthy merlot dominates the aroma, with an attractive floral lift, probably from the cabernet franc. The palate reflects the aroma, with merlot’s assertive tannins ameliorated by the gentler cabernet franc.
4.5 stars.
