Cannonball Eleven Merlot
Sonoma Merlot, cold soaked and French oak aged since 2006.
The story behind Cannonball Eleven
Cannonball Eleven Merlot comes out of Sonoma County, California, and the label started in 2006 when wine entrepreneur Yoav Gilat partnered with winemaker Dennis Hill. The fruit is Merlot from selected Sonoma County vineyards, given a traditional cold soak before select yeast strains go in to pull the fruit forward. Fermentation runs brief and warm with minimal handling, which protects the delicate side of the grape and keeps oxidation out.
Then it rests 20 months in French oak, only 20% of it new, so the wood stays in the background where it belongs. We have poured this for customers who want a California Merlot with structure and restraint in the same glass. ABV lands between 13.9% and 14.6% depending on vintage.
Explore the Cannonball Eleven range
Three bottlings carry the Cannonball Eleven name at our Commack store. The Merlot is the heart of it, with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon alongside.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannonball Eleven Merlot 750mL | Sonoma County Merlot | 13.9% to 14.6% ABV | Cold soak, 20 months French oak, 20% new |
| Cannonball Eleven Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL | Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon | Not published | Ripe dark fruit, firm tannin, oak spice |
| Cannonball Eleven Chardonnay 750mL | Sonoma County Chardonnay | Not published | Orchard fruit, gentle oak, clean finish |
| Cannonball Eleven Merlot 750mL | Premium Sonoma tier | Vintage dependent | Lamb, roasted red meat, mushroom dishes |
| Cannonball Eleven Merlot 750mL | Serve 60F to 65F | Standard red glass | Slightly cool, decant briefly if young |
Which Cannonball Eleven is right for you?
Cannonball Eleven Merlot 750mL runs $29.99 at our counter, and the Cabernet Sauvignon is $35.99. The Chardonnay sits at $29.99 as well. That puts the Merlot in the premium $28 to $35 tier the label is built for, above the standard California AVA bottling you may have seen near $15 to $20. You can buy Cannonball Eleven online here or walk in and pull it off the shelf. Current stock on these three moves fast, so call ahead at (631) 343-7200 if you need a case held.
Sonoma Merlot with restrained oak handles roasted lamb and mushrooms without fighting them.
Same house style, more tannin and darker fruit for steak night.
Orchard fruit and light oak keep it useful for poultry and grilled vegetables.