Sonoma County Merlot 2022
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.
90 Points
Wine Spectator
2022 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2022 growing season started with early spring rains followed by ideal weather through spring and late summer. Harvest began on August 15 with white and early ripening red varieties showing bright acidity and mouth-watering freshness. In September a period of triple digit heat over several days pushed maturity on the vines, until a few days of rain provided a refreshing break and gave the later-ripening fruit some extra hang time to develop deep rich color, remarkable aromatics and exquisite flavors.
Tasting Note
Abundant aromas of mixed berries, currants and coffee beans start off this bright Merlot balanced with flavors of boysenberry, fresh sage, black tea and sarsaparilla on the midpalate A touch of acidity, soft tannins and a smooth finish round out this wine.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 96% Merlot, 4% Malbec
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
ABV: 14.80%
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.
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