2020 Norma Jeane

Winemaker Notes:

This wine immediately impresses with its deep purple color. There is an enjoyable intensity and complexity of aromas with plum, raspberry, orange blossoms, and hints of fresh herbs. The flavors mimic the aromas with added hints of vanilla and dark chocolate.
The wine has solid structure that has good weight and richness on the palate paired with a silkiness and balanced tannins that spread evenly from entry to the long enjoyable finish. 

The 2020 Norma Jeane Merlot benefits from small additions of Petit Verdot from Lodi and Malbec from Napa that add that deep purple color and nice weight on the palate. The 2020 vintage was another good vintage with consistent warm temperatures through the growing season, and few few heat spikes, that translated into a nice maturity of flavors at harvest.

The Photograph:
 In September 1953 Milton captured Marilyn Monroe lounging in a tree in the hills of Los Angeles, California for an article on 'Hollywood Stars' in Look Magazine. With a curly tress of hair dangling in her face, Marilyn smiles as she reclines amidst the base of the trees wearing a short sleeved blouse and a flowered print skirt. This photograph, a result of their first work together, reveals and captures Marilyn’s innocence that which all of us have been drawn to for generations.  When first introduced, Marilyn, having a grand vision of this famous photographer, was surprised when Milton Greene appeared. She said, "Why you’re just a boy.”   To which Milton replied with a smile, "And you’re just a girl.” It was at that moment their special bond and endearing friendship was born.