Named for Fred and Juelle's son, Robert Charles Fisher, now Fisher Vineyards' General Manager.
85% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot
Whole-berry fermented in open-top oak and concrete fermenters
Bottled unfined and unfiltered
Aged 21 months in French oak barrels (100% new)
The vineyard runs along the bank of Simmons Creek on our Calistoga estate and was first planted in 1985 with Merlot bud-wood from the famed Three Palms Vineyard, located just to the south on Silverado Trail. Comprised primarily of cobblestones and loam, this site yields wines of depth and character inspired by classic Right Bank blends. In 2002, we began redeveloping the vineyard, and the next release was not until the 2013 vintage.
Named for Fred and Juelle's son, Robert Charles Fisher, now Fisher Vineyards' General Manager.
85% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot
Whole-berry fermented in open-top oak and concrete fermenters
Bottled unfined and unfiltered
Aged 21 months in French oak barrels (100% new)
The 2018 Merlot RCF Vineyard is serious wine with quite a bit of heft. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the Merlot packs plenty of Calistoga punch. Dark fruit, licorice, spice and leather abound in a wiry Merlot that bristles with character. The tannins are a bit brawny, but a few years in bottle should help. Even just a few hours of air really helps the 2018 shine as more red-fruit and floral overtones develop, adding a palpable sense of brightness. Dollops of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot round out the blend.