The wine shows off the rich and flavorful fruit grown in Sonoma Valley. This picturesque valley is surrounded by the Sonoma Mountains to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the east, providing perfect conditions for Merlot grapes. This area’s warm summer days are cooled by evening breezes and fog from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in fruit with deep, complex flavors and aromas. This special wine's fruit is sourced from three vineyards: the Dinner Vineyard high atop Sonoma Mountain and the Murray Vineyard located on the mountain’s eastern facing benchland for structure and Wild Oak Estate Vineyard on the valley floor for softer, flavors and texture. After hand-sorting, the grapes underwent a two-day cold soak to extract optimal color and flavor. The wine was then aged in 100% French oak barrels, 38% new, where it underwent malolactic fermentation, followed by 20 months of aging.

92 Points
Decanter.com
2021 vintage
93 Points
Wine Spectator
2021 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2021 harvest began just a little early with the first fruit picked on August 18. Limited rainfall during the growing season produced slightly lighter crops but brought intense, concentrated flavor and color. Free from lingering heat waves, the consistent weather during the summer months helped maintain fruit acidity for brightness and balance. Harvest continued through the middle of October when the last of the grapes were picked.
Tasting Note
Layered flavors of boysenberry preserves, black tea and licorice
Technical Data
GRAPES: 97% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
PH: 3.59
ABV: 14.8%
AGING: 20 Months, 100% French Oak, 38% New Oak
Unique Selling Points
  • Aged in 100% French oak barrels

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.
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