Tasting Notes

Because Monterey has a cool climate, it is rarely tapped for Bordeaux varieties; they often have difficulty ripening there. But when we tasted Catesby's Merlot, we found an exception to the rule. With a deep color of purple-garnet, the wine's full of clean cherry fruit aromas. The finish is equally appealing: full, plump, and fleshy with plum and red berry. The barely spicy finish of green peppercorn is an exotic extra. Drink now through 2009.

Winery Story

It's little known that Monterey (and California) was once claimed for the United States by mistake. In 1842, Commodore Thomas ap Catesby Jones, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, sailed into Monterey harbor and demanded that the governor of California (then under Mexican control) surrender the territory to the United States. But he had reason: Rumors were rampant about which nation would gain control of California-England, France, or the United States. Knowing both French and English fleets were positioned in the Pacific, Catesby sailed to shore, negotiated surrender with the locals, and raised the American flag.

Turns out the Commander acted without authority, and eventually retracted his claim and retreated from the territory. Nevertheless, the intrepid statesman inspired Catesby Vineyards. Their Monterey County Merlot was harvested from Sweetwater Vineyards, located just inland of the coast. This vineyard sits on rolling hills and, as its name suggests, has excellent water sources-a fitting tribute to the little-known sailor who once occupied Monterey.