Highway 12 Merlot
Sonoma Merlot from the historic Highway 12 corridor.
The story behind Highway 12
Highway 12 Merlot comes from Sonoma County, where California Highway 12 runs through some of the state's most storied wine regions. Founded in 2004 by Paul Giusto and Michael Sebastiani, the winery sources grapes from family growers like Serres Ranch and Sangiacomo Family Vineyards. The central "Banana Belt" corridor, with its geothermal influences and warm days, yields concentrated fruit and rounded tannins.
The Merlot is typically 100% varietal, aged 14 to 19 months in French oak. It has earned 90 points and a Best Buy from Wine Enthusiast, and the 2019 vintage won Gold at the 2023 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge. We have carried it for years because it delivers Sonoma character at a fair price.
Explore the Highway 12 range
Highway 12 focuses on varietal wines from Sonoma. The Merlot is the standout, but the portfolio includes other expressions worth trying.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highway 12 Merlot | Red Wine | 13.9% to 14.2% ABV | Black cherry, plum, blueberry pie, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, cedar. |
| Highway 12 Cabernet Sauvignon | Red Wine | Not specified | Cassis, blackberry, oak spice; full-bodied. |
| Highway 12 Chardonnay | White Wine | Not specified | Apple, pear, citrus; balanced oak. |
| Highway 12 Sauvignon Blanc | White Wine | Not specified | Grapefruit, melon, grass; crisp finish. |
| Highway 12 Carneros Pinot Noir | Red Wine | Not specified | Red cherry, strawberry, earth; silky tannins. |
Which Highway 12 is right for you?
Highway 12 Merlot sits in a comfortable spot: $16.99 for the 750mL, which is the kind of price that makes it easy to open on a Tuesday. The Chardonnay is $23.98, the Carneros Pinot Noir $24.98, and the Cabernet Sauvignon $16.99. For a Sonoma Merlot with oak aging and a Best Buy nod, that is solid value. We keep it on the shelf because it overdelivers for the money.
Affordable, food-friendly red that stands up to burgers and ribs.
Explores Carneros terroir without a splurge.
Structured red with aging potential at a beginner price.
Highway 12 cocktails and pairings
Serve Highway 12 Merlot slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 65°F, and decant for an hour to open up the tannins.