Megan and I received this wine as part of our Imagery Estate Wine Club shipment earlier this year. Each shipment contains two bottles of wine that are usually only offered at the winery (as was this Merlot) and get four shipments a year. We visited them when we were on our Napa and Sonoma trip at the end of last year and had a great time. It is a beautiful place to visit, with an excellent tasting room and staff, and an awesome patio for enjoying a picnic lunch.
Some information on the wine: The Sunny Slope vineyard that these Merlot grapes are from is quite interesting. The site that the vineyard is on is pretty much an old rock quarry and the vines were planted in holes drilled or pick axed more than 20 years ago. The vines get a great southwest exposure that produces a ripe, concentrated, thick skinned grape. The 2004 vintage was dry overall, in fact humidity levels at the end of the season dropped well below the average 30%. (Geez, I wish the humidity around Richmond would average 30%) Proper vineyard care and patience prevailed in allowing the grapes to develop their wonderful flavor, even though sugars were rising prematurely.
I believe the wine, without the 15% member discount, is $38.
My Tasting Notes:
Nose – Cherry, boysenberry, and caramelized onions
Taste – Rich Black Cherry and celery
Mouthfeel – medium body with a very rich texture, very smooth and polished
Finish – great long length, leaving me with a bit of cocoa on the aftertaste
This was a delightful Merlot, and unfortunately I didn’t write in my notes what we drank this with, and I can’t remember since it was a couple of weeks ago. Since this is only distributed from the winery, you can’t run to your local wine shop and pick it up. But, if by chance you are in Sonoma, give them a visit, you won’t be disappointed.
Anything Wine 
Just received your nice comments on my google alerts. Thanks for the kind words on the winery and the wines. It always makes our day to hear from happy customers. We really appreciate the support and glad you love the wine. Sunny Slope Cab is yummy. Thanks! Imagery Estate Winery
Just uncorked the 2004 Imagery Merlot. Excellent wine great start to finish, with a velvety smooth run. This bottle is being uncorked in the sunny state of Florida, we had a very nice visit to the winery. I recommend as a must see in the Sonoma area
Regards
Hi Mimi
Thanks for checking out my site, keep an eye on it because we have lots of Imagery in the cellar since we are in your wine club.
We aren’t making it to Sonoma this year, but we are coming out next fall and will definitely make another stop to the Imagery tasting room.
Thanks again.
John