2017 Freemark Abbey Merlot

2017 Freemark Abbey Merlot

2017 Freemark Abbey Merlot Youthful dark ruby color, the 2017 merlot expresses the depth of mountain fruit, particularly Howell mtn, with ripe blackberry, Santa Rosa plum and dark cherry. With nuances of arugula, Horehound, black pepper and sage, adding to the briary complexity, this wine is very stimulating to the senses. The spicy oak is well integrated with the abundance of aroma. The mountain tannins are firm yet subtle, giving structure to the bed of dark red fruit. This is a block buster merlot, one for enjoying now and years to come.

Freemark Abbey

The history of Freemark Abbey began in 1886, when Josephine Marlin Tychson became the first woman to build and operate a winery in California. The historic site where Josephine’s winery, Tychson Cellars, once stood is now known as Freemark Abbey.

Josephine, a native of San Lorenzo, California and her husband, John Tychson, a Danish immigrant, moved to St. Helena in 1881. For $8,500, they purchased 147 acres north of St. Helena, which later became known as “Tychson Hill”.

Shortly after her husband’s untimely death, Josephine began construction of a fifty square foot redwood winery which would grow to hold a capacity of about 30,000 gallons. In addition, she hired Nils Larsen, an experienced vintner, as her foreman. Josephine successfully produced wine for the next eight years and then sold the winery to Larsen in 1894. In turn, Larsen leased the winery to Antonio Forni, a good friend of Josephine’s. Forni later purchased the property in 1898. Forni is responsible for building a new winery on the old site of the Tychson structure.

In the years that followed, Freemark Abbey went through a period of several different owners until 1966, when a group of partners purchased the winery.

Ted Edwards is one of the longest tenured winemakers in Napa Valley. After forty years as director of winemaking at Freemark Abbey, Ted transitioned to the role of Winemaker Emeritus in 2020. In his new role, Ted is charged with ensuring the Freemark Abbey wines retain the continuity of style and excellence that the winery has built its reputation on. He continues his involvement in all aspects of winemaking and vineyard practices, and more, imparting his wealth of knowledge and experience with winemaker Kristy Melton.