Today's recommended wine
Ehlers Estate, 2006 Merlot Napa Valley, $45
This is a top-drawer, luxurious Merlot grown organically and biodynamically off a special vineyard in one of Napa's most storied regions for Bordeaux reds -- the northern part of the St. Helena appellation. This 39-acre site, which has a long history of grape cultivation, is divided into 25 sub-blocks defined by soil, clone and rootstock. This Merlot stands out for its rich, powerful fruit, sculpted by acidity and spiced with oak. The nose is an intoxicating perfume of dark plums, brown sugar, blackberries, dark chocolate and espresso. In the mouth, tannins are silky and the alcohol blasts through the fruit flavors. Alcohol is not over the top, at 14.8 percent, but it resonates with the fruit. All the proceeds from the winery are donated to fund international cardiovascular research through the winery's philanthropic ties with the Leducq Foundation. Ehlers was founded by the late Jean and Sylviane Leducq. They also established Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery in Virginia.
