At the Small Batch Tasting in Chicago in April, I was bowled over by the 2007 Paradigm Merlot, what I immediately noted was the “best” California merlot I’ve  tasted this year.

Paradigm Vineyard is a small winery in the Oakville district of Napa Valley that’s been owned since 1976 by Ren and Marilyn Harris. Heidi Peterson Barrett — who Robert Parker called “the first lady of wine” — has been the chief winemaker since the first vintage in 1991. (Her father even helped design the winery.)

Her wines are aged in French oak barrels for 20 months and then left in the bottle for a considerable amount of time before they’re released. Merlots typically spend 10 to 14 months in the bottle.

The oak sets the tone for a dark plumy and spice aroma with bright acidity and a slightly chalky tannin finish. It’s a medium bodied merlot that is great for pairing — or simply drinking alone!