Winemaker Notes
Leading with pure, precise aromas of wild strawberry, Bing cherry, ripe raspberry and just a touch of brambly fruit, this wine is accented with hints of hard candy, cardamom, clove and bay leaf. Red fruits dominate the entry, leading to a flood of black raspberry and kirsch sensations that saturate the palate in mouth-filling waves. A bold Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon-like depth and weight, its dusty, fine-grained tannins carry the flavors to a bright, juicy finish with hints of baker’s cocoa and mulling spices.
Production
Heavy winter snowfall in 2019 led to well-irrigated soils and a late budbreak. The relatively cool weather continued throughout spring and summer with temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s, and only a few days over 100º F. This allowed for beautiful flavor development balanced by ideal acid retention, producing elegant and age-worthy wines with lovely energy and character, supple tannins and bright, juicy flavors.