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, 42% new, where it underwent malolactic fermentation, followed by 20 months of aging.

94 Points
Wine Spectator
2019 vintage
94 Points
Ken's Wine Guide.com
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 throughout summer. With few spikes in heat over the season, 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. The majority of the fruit was picked in September and the weather continued to cooperate as the days shortened. Warm breezy days, but no rain, took place in October and the last of the grapes were harvested before the end of the month. The 2019 season was generally cool which prolonged ripening resulting in strong quality wines.
Tasting Note
Flavors of dark cherry, red licorice, and plum with dried lavender. Balanced and vibrant with good acidity and strong tannins.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with duck confit, short ribs and poached pears.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: Sonoma Valley
ABV: 14.8%
AGING: 20 Months, 100% French Oak, 42% 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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