Upon the first sip, your palate is enveloped in a velvety texture, caressed by a symphony of flavors. Succulent blackberry, cherry, and boysenberry burst forth. The subtle allure of dried herbs adds a delightful depth, harmonizing effortlessly with the rich complexity of cocoa and caramel. The wine's freshness is underscored by a vivacious acidity, lending a lively energy to each sip. Firm yet fine tannins provide structure and elegance, leading to a harmonious and persistent finish.
Napa Valley received well below normal rainfall in 2022, though the rain did seem to blow in when the vines needed it most, so the vines had sufficient water for healthy growth and grape development. The spring was warm, and the summer was somewhat erratic, with cool and warm periods. We had a heat spike in late summer that pushed ripening ahead by two to three weeks, resulting in an early harvest.
Our Merlot grapes were cold soaked for three to five days before the onset of fermentation. The fermentation was then allowed to reach a maximum temperature of 90°F and pressed off the skins after 10-12 days. The wine was then moved into oak barrels and underwent malolactic fermentation. Of the barrels, 67% were new barrels, and the balance was once filled; 92% were French Oak Bordeaux barrels, and 8% were American Oak barrels. The coopers used include Sylvain, Taransaud, Nadalie, and Demptos. The Merlot was aged for 18 months before bottling.