Description
VINTAGE
Napa Valley received well below normal rainfall in 2022, though the rain did seem to blow in when the vines needed it most, so the vines had sufficient water for healthy growth and grape development. The spring was warm, and the summer was somewhat erratic, with cool and warm periods. We had a heat spike in late summer that pushed ripening ahead by two to three weeks, resulting in an early harvest.
VINEYARDS
Our Merlot is grown in two regions within Napa Valley. Oak Knoll is nestled up to the Mayacamas Mountain Range on the west side of the valley. The region’s mild climate and alluvial soils lend great balance and structure and allow the grapes to develop bright aromatics and flavors and a beautiful natural acidity and elegance. The alluvial soils bring darker fruits to the nose and palate, giving this wine structure and concentration. Carneros vineyard has a cooler climate, and these grapes bring an earthy, wet stone element to the nose and beautiful dark fruit. The cooler temperatures help preserve the color in the grape skins, contributing to the beauty of the wine swirling in your glass and adding depth and weight to the palate to perfectly balance the tannin.
FERMENTATION & AGING
Our Merlot grapes were cold soaked for three to five days before the onset of fermentation. The fermentation was then allowed to reach a maximum temperature of 90°F and pressed off the skins after 10-12 days. The wine was then moved into oak barrels where they underwent malolactic fermentation. Sixty-seven percent of these barrels were new barrels and the balance were once-filled barrels. Ninety-two percent of our Merlot barrels were French Oak Bordeaux barrels and 8% were American Oak barrels. The coopers used include Sylvain, Taransaud, Nadalie, and Demptos. The Merlot was aged for 18 months before bottling.
WINEMAKER IMPRESSIONS
As you swirl in your glass, delicate aromas of Bing cherry and raspberry emerge and are intertwined with the comforting embrace of warming spice. A hint of graham cracker, vanilla, and caramel soon follows, accompanied by subtle notes of dried herbs and a hint of lavender. Upon the first sip, your palate is enveloped in a velvety texture, caressed by a symphony of flavors. Succulent blackberry, cherry, and boysenberry burst forth. The subtle allure of dried herbs adds a delightful depth, harmonizing effortlessly with the rich complexity of cocoa and caramel. The wine’s freshness is underscored by a vivacious acidity, lending a lively energy to each sip. Firm yet fine tannins provide structure and elegance, leading to a harmonious and persistent finish.
