Priority number one for any wine is that it be delicious. It wasn't enough to launch a bottle reuse initiative, the wine in that bottle had to be stellar and sustainably produced. At the 2000 ft in the Santa Cruz Mountains the Zayante vineyard is a tiny jewel surrounded by dense, wild forest. By virtue of being ungrafted, dry farmed with biodynamic practices, this is a unique expression of Merlot; fruit-driven and plush. All subsequent choices were made to preserve this raw and true own-rooted Merlot. It was picked by hand, fermented by native yeast, minimal sulphur and handling, pressed early, and barreled into Snowden-Vineyards-seasoned French oak. The wine is vibrant with plush dark fruits. It will be a joy immediately and has the potential to age and evolve for decades for those with the patience.