making the two complementary benchmarks within the same appellation

and barley — each distilled separately on towering continuous column stills

Wine professionals describe it as sitting between a classic Fleurie — floral and elegant — and a Moulin-à-Vent

a balance many value reds miss

and a splash of sparkling water for a summery punch

Thorn Merlot egg-nogs making the two complementary benchmarksThorn Merlot is a Napa Valley red wine from The Prisoner Wine Company, bottled at 14. 5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2017 vintage earned 92 points from Wine Spectator, and the 2014 vintage took Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition a track record that reflects consistent quality across releases. Quick Facts: ABV: 14. 5% Origin: Napa Valley, California Varietal: Merlot dominant blend Producer: The Prisoner Wine Company Production