The grapes for this 2012 Merlot were harvested between August 24 – Oct.1, 2012, this Youthful bright purple hues highlight the medium ruby color of the 2012 McManis Family Vineyards Merlot. Fruit forward with pretty Blackberry aromas surround a bouquet of cream and a hint of baking spices. Juicy and concentrated, the lively mix of black fruit flavors are accompanied by the pleasant addition of a vanilla creamy texture, which has been contributed through oak aging. The wine is succulent and has a pleasing toasty finish.

These notes above are from the wine maker. I find this merlot to be much darker than a ruby color. It does start with fruit on the front end, however I pick up a scent of oak and other wood tones on the back end. I also get a high concentration of tannins. Other reviewers reported hints of chocolate in the finish also. I think this may be a little dryer than most other Merlot.