Merlot
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed within 1–5 years from vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted duck, grilled pork chops, tomato-based pasta dishes
✨ wine.spec_sheet
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.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Tim McEnery in Orland Park, Illinois, Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants has pioneered a unique hospitality concept combining a Napa-style tasting room with contemporary dining. Headquartered in Downers Grove with its central winemaking facility in Woodridge, Illinois, the company operates on an innovative sourcing model, collaborating with top growers across California, Italy, Spain, and Australia to import premium grapes and juice. Under the guidance of their skilled winemaking team, Cooper's Hawk crafts a diverse, award-winning portfolio that ranges from expressive single-varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Barbera to prestigious, limited-release proprietary blends such as the Camille series and the XV Anniversary Blend.