2018 Merlot

China Creek Vineyard, El Dorado

Tasting Notes

This is a complex wine with aromas of dark fruit, roses, light bramble, and a vibrant, deep, rich color. One taste reveals why merlot deserves more recognition. The 2018 vintage is a big, bold wine, with flavors of cocoa, stewed prunes, rose hips and big, chalky tannins that beg to be paired with rich foods. The long finish is filled with dark fruit punctuated by delicate herbal flavors. Enjoy now or age for at least another 10 years.

Winemaking Notes

These grapes were harvested from a young vineyard block with a low yield; we only harvested enough for this one small lot of wine! We destemmed the grapes but did not actively crush them, so some of the berries remained whole during fermentation, fermenting from the inside and providing greater complexity and diversity to the ferment. Overall, the fermentation took 14 days, during which we actively punched down the cap three times per day, keeping the skins submerged for maximum extraction.

Food Pairing

Try the 2018 Merlot this winter with herbed turkey confit over sausage and focaccia stuffing, topped with cranberry compote. We’d also love to pair it with meatloaf, spaghetti and meatballs, or braised short ribs. Or simply enjoy it with dark chocolate home-made brownies.

Aging

Aged for 22 months in on new French Oak barrel and one second use French Oak barrel.

Wine Specs

100% Merlot

63 cases produced