The dense ruby/purple-colored 1996 Merlot Unfiltered is a fuller-bodied example, with more of the varietal's chocolate, coffee, roasted herb, and damp foresty characteristics. The wine is spicy, lightly oaky, tightly-knit, rich, pure, and structured. It requires 2-4 more years of cellaring, and should keep for 12-15. Newton was one of the first California wineries to produce high quality, ageworthy Merlot made in an elegant style, with admirable character, richness, and depth. All of the Newton wines are fermented with natural yeasts in order to obtain more complex aromatics. The malolactic fermentations take place in barrel to promote greater integration of wood, and to encourage more textural richness in the wines. All of the wines, including the Chardonnay, are bottled without filtration. Tel. (707) 963-9000; Fax (707) 963-5408