This is a very velvety merlot with a rich magenta color leading to ripe aromas of herbs, briar and smoky oak. Chocolate and hints of tobacco round out the nose. Lots of concentrated fruit gives this wine a mouth filling impression. We found this wine to be excellent for drinking right now, however, Vann tells us that it is designed for long term aging, and will improve cellared over the next five to ten years.

Only 15 minutes from the town of Santa Cruz, Hunter Hill Vineyard & Winery is a family owned and operated vineyard and winery specializing in fine red wines and port. Located above the village of Soquel in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the vineyards capitalize on the sunny days, moderate nights, and long cool growing season which bring this appellation due recognition for world class wine production.

Vann and Christine Slatter had been working away at their Hunter Hill Vineyard above Soquel since the late 1990s. Vann is the winemaker and handles the vineyard while Christine does the marketing and sales. In 2005 Hunter Hill produced about 2,000 cases of wine, selling most of it exclusively from the winery's tasting room.

Hunter Hill Vineyard is planted on the six acres which includes the winery and residence. This land has been in the family for over 100 years and previously was a productive fruit orchard. Beginning in 1990 the first Merlot vines were planted with additional vines every 4 years. Successful viticulture on his property and a love of fine red wines inspired Vann Slatter, to develop his unique style of approachable, carefully crafted wines. Although Vann is talking about adding a little white wine to the lineup, the winery for now is focused only on reds, because that's what Vann likes to drink. "I make wines for my own palate," he says. "If it doesn't sell, I can always drink it." Merlot vines were the very first grapes planted on the property and continue to yield their signature wine, the Estate Merlot.

April 2006 Wine of the Month Club selection