Unfiltered Merlot (1986)

About this wine

The 1986 Newton Vineyard Merlot presents a harmonious blend of dried cherry and plum flavors, complemented by earthy notes of tobacco and leather. With over three decades of aging, it has developed a smooth, velvety texture and softened tannins, leading to a lingering finish with hints of spice. This vintage hails from a year noted for its ripe, forward flavors in California Merlots, contributing to its rich and polished profile. Newton Vineyard, established in 1977, was among the pioneers of unfiltered wines in Napa Valley, emphasizing minimal intervention to preserve the wine's natural character. This Merlot stands as a testament to the winery's dedication to crafting expressive and enduring wines.

About the grape

Merlot, originally from Bordeaux, France, gained prominence in Napa Valley during the late 20th century. Peter Newton, founder of Newton Vineyard in 1977, was instrumental in this shift, having previously introduced California's first vintage-dated Merlot at Sterling Vineyards in 1969. At Newton Vineyard, Merlot was cultivated on steep, terraced hillsides, requiring meticulous hand farming due to the challenging terrain. The 1986 vintage benefited from a mild summer, allowing the Merlot grapes to achieve optimal ripeness with forward flavors, contributing to the wine's quality.

Quick facts

• 🍇 Newton Vineyard, established in 1977 by Peter Newton and his wife Su Hua, was among the pioneering wineries on Napa Valley's Spring Mountain, renowned for its unfiltered wines.
• 🍷 The 1986 vintage in Napa Valley was notable for its ripe Merlot grapes, resulting in wines with forward flavors and moderate tannins, making them approachable in their youth.
• 🌲 Newton Vineyard's iconic logo features a solitary pine tree, known as 'Piño Solo,' which stood over 100 feet tall atop their highest ridge, symbolizing the winery's unique identity.
• 🛠️ The 1986 Newton Merlot was crafted using unfiltered winemaking techniques, a hallmark of the winery, aiming to preserve the wine's natural flavors and textures.
• 🏰 In 2001, Newton Vineyard became part of the LVMH portfolio, aligning it with other prestigious wine estates and luxury brands.

Palate profile

Producer

Newton Vineyard, established in 1977 by English businessman Peter Newton and his wife Su Hua, was a pioneering winery in Napa Valley's Spring Mountain District. The estate spanned 560 acres, with vineyards terraced at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,600 feet, allowing for diverse microclimates and soil types ideal for Bordeaux varietals. Notably, Newton was among the first in the region to produce unfiltered wines, emphasizing a natural expression of the terroir. In 2001, the winery became part of the LVMH portfolio, aligning with other prestigious wine estates. Despite its storied history and contributions to Napa Valley winemaking, Newton Vineyard announced its permanent closure in early 2025, following significant damage from the 2020 Glass Fire.