Formerly known as “Second Flight” (yep, they finally changed the name to avoid confusion, as many thought this was a second wine as opposed to a Merlot-based expression), the 2015 The Flight is a blend of 61% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. It has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and singular nose of soil and rock-inspired notions—crushed stones, fertile loam and iron ore—over a core of warm plums, underbrush, charcuterie and black olives. Medium-bodied, the palate is very refined and elegant, with wonderfully fine, pixelated tannins and great freshness supporting the restrained, earthy flavors, finishing with great length and depth. Note that this was a tank sample, due to be bottled within a week.

While the Merlot from this estate has always gone under the name Second Flight, the wine was certainly not a second wine and always came from the same parcels (and more iron-rich soils) and is a very different wine compared to the Cabernet Sauvignon release. As such, they've opted (correctly I think) to change the name of the cuvée to The Flight. The 2015 The Flight is a beautiful wine and up with some of the best examples of Merlot out there, offering up tons of black cherries, currants, dried flowers, forest floor, and earthy aromas and flavors. Made in the same classic, elegant, vibrant style as the Cabernet, this full-bodied beauty is as silky and seamless as it gets, with perfect balance and a great finish. Drink it any time over the coming 15+ years.