Sonoma County Merlot 2023
Trade Tools
America / Sonoma County
The grapes in Sonoma County Merlot are sourced from Certified Sustainable Estate Behler and Wild Oak Vineyards as well as from premier growers throughout the region. Merlot thrives in Sonoma’s picturesque valleys where warm days are cooled by evening breezes and fog from the Pacific Ocean. Each carefully selected vineyard contributes distinctive and individual qualities to the finished wine. All grapes are gently de-stemmed before cold-soaking for two days to extract optimal color and flavor. The fruit is fermented in separate lots, allowing each lot to be individually crafted before being aged for 15 months in French oak barrels before final blending and bottling.
Harvest Note
Cooler temperatures and an abundance of spring rains in 2023 pushed back the first day of harvest to the beginning of September. The later start and extra ripening time for the fruit allowed flavors and color to develop slowly for depth and concentration. Warm fall days spread out harvest to the end of October for many of the red varieties, with a final pick of Merlot delivered to the winery on November 2.
Tasting Note
Rich aromas and flavors of dark, crushed berries, cassis, ripe plum and bittersweet chocolate are balanced with good acidity and a long, spicy finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 95% Merlo, 5% Malbec
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
ABV: 14.80%
AGING: French Oak, 20% New
Unique Selling Points
- A classic California Merlot with luscious hints of plum and chocolate
- Matured for 15 months in oak barrels for a complex flavor
"Merlot is often overlooked, but this wine captures the depth of flavor, abundant aromas and luscious finish that make it perfect for any occasion."
Chris Louton, Winemaker
About the Grape
Merlot
Merlot makes plump, succulent wines to drink young or opulently massive wines for aging. Has silky, blackberry and currant fruit, with spice, earth, tobacco and chocolate notes, and soft tannins.
