2022 The Rescuer Merlot

2022 The Rescuer – Merlot Bordeaux Blend

The 2022 Rescuer is our Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend crafted in tribute to the winemaker’s training in Bordeaux and named for Reason P. Tucker, who built the estate in 1859 after courageously rescuing survivors of the ill-fated Donner Party. This blend honors both the heritage of the vineyard and the spirit of resilience that defines its history, capturing that legacy in a wine of grace, depth, and structure.

At the core of the 2022 vintage is Merlot, which thrived in the long, even growing season. The fruit shows exceptional richness and purity, delivering a plush, velvety texture that envelops the palate. Generous flavors of black cherry, plum, and ripe blackberry form the wine’s foundation, offering immediate approachability without sacrificing complexity. The Merlot’s natural softness and luxurious mouthfeel give the blend its signature elegance.

A refined touch of Cabernet Franc brightens the aromatics, adding lift and nuance. In 2022, the Cabernet Franc contributes delicate notes of graphite, cracked pepper, violets, and dried herbs—elements that introduce a layered, Right-Bank sophistication and enhance aromatic depth.

Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure, intensity, and tension to the blend. It adds concentrated flavors of cassis, blackcurrant, and dark chocolate, along with subtle hints of tobacco, cedar, and warm spice. Firm but polished tannins from the Cabernet Sauvignon provide the architectural backbone that supports the wine’s rich fruit profile and promises excellent aging potential.

The 2022 Rescuer is a seamlessly integrated, expressive blend—lush yet structured, modern yet grounded in Bordeaux tradition. It pays tribute to the enduring story of the estate while offering a deeply satisfying, beautifully balanced wine that will continue to evolve gracefully over time.