Sonoma County Merlot 2019
Trade Tools
America / Sonoma County
The grapes come from estate vineyards in the Sonoma and Russian River valleys, as well as from growers in Sonoma County’s other top appellations, including Alexander Valley and Rockpile. All grapes are hand harvested, gently destemmed and crushed before cold soaking to extract optimal color and flavor. The fruit is then inoculated with many different yeast strains to build complexity, and fermented in separate lots using a combination of pump-overs and rack-and-return to soften tannins. The wine is matured in oak barrels.
91 Points
Wine Enthusiast
2019 vintage
Gold Medal
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2019 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2019 harvest began before dawn on
August 30 after a growing season that started
with record rainfall during winter and ended
with warm, even temperatures. With few heat
spikes, the vineyards had optimal conditions to
develop full-flavored fruit with remarkable color
and balanced acidity. Spring rains ended in time
for good fruit set and the temperate summer
allowed for long hang times and consistent,
even ripening. Winemakers picked the majority of the
fruit in September and the weather continued to
cooperate through the end of harvest in October.
Tasting Note
Intense aromas of cherry compote, black licorice and dark chocolate followed by flavors of ripe plum, dried fig and bright Ranier cherry.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Merlot
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
ABV: 14.8%
AGING: 16 months in French oak, 25% new
Unique Selling Points
- A classic California Merlot with luscious hints of plum and chocolate
- Matured for 16 months in oak barrels to add complex flavor
“Spicy, yet smooth and silky, this luscious wine pairs perfectly with 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.
