The Rodgers Vineyard Merlot is always one of our favorite wines at Baxter Winery.  As a young winemaker in the 1970’s Phil Sr. was instrumental in the placement of Merlot amongst the pedigree wines of Napa Valley.  We carry on this tradition today as firm believers of the masterful elegance and grace offered by a properly made Merlot.  Larry Bettinelli, a veteran in vineyard management, keeps a meticulous eye on this vineyard, and it shows.  Each year the intense varietal expression is apparent at the first punchdown, as the color is already a dark sanguine red.  Balanced from top to bottom, this wine is as much a pleasure to make, as it is to drink.