Merlot
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed within 1–5 years from vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted duck, grilled pork chops, tomato-based pasta dishes
✨ Technical Specifications
Cooper's Hawk Merlot is a celebration of California's rich viticultural landscape, crafted using premium grapes sourced from top-tier growers across the state. The Merlot grape, whose name historically derives from the French word for 'little blackbird' ('merlau') due to the birds' love for the sweet, dark fruit, thrives in the warm California sun. Cooper's Hawk styles this wine to highlight the grape's natural affinity for plush, velvety textures and expressive dark fruit flavors. By aging the wine in a combination of French and American oak, the winemaking team coaxes out subtle notes of baking spice, cocoa, and vanilla, complementing the core of black cherry and plum. This approach results in an approachable yet sophisticated red that bridges the gap between bold Cabernet Sauvignon and delicate Pinot Noir.
🍾 About the Producer
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants was established in 2005 by entrepreneur Tim McEnery in Orland Park, Illinois, combining an upscale casual dining concept with an artisanal winery and tasting room. Rather than farming single-estate vineyards, the operation functions as a large-scale modern négociant and custom-crush producer, sourcing premium grapes and must primarily from leading American viticultural areas across California, Washington, and Oregon, as well as select international origins. Centralized vinification, blending, and barrel maturation take place at its dedicated Midwestern production facility under Vice President of Winemaking Rob Warren. The portfolio embraces an approachable, crowd-pleasing cellar philosophy focused on clean varietal expression, balanced oak integration, and food-friendly structures. Among its hallmark bottlings are California-sourced expressions such as Unoaked Chardonnay, Lux Chardonnay, Viognier, and the crisp, aromatic Riesling Gewürztraminer blend, alongside a diverse suite of methode-charmat sparkling and dessert offerings.
🍇 Grapes
Merlot
🍷 ABV
13.5-14.5%