Viticulture:
The grapes for our 2021 Merlot were primarily sourced from prime vineyards up and down California’s Central Coast and Lodi regions, where warm days and cool nights provide ideal ripening conditions for grapes to develop complex flavors and deep, concentrated color. The grapes were harvested at night and in the early morning to preserve ideal acidity and sugar levels. Harvest ran from September through October 2021.
Winemaking:
After we destemmed the fruit, we fermented the must in temperaturecontrolled, stainless steel tanks. Following fermentation, the wine was left on the skins to soften tannins and develop complexity. Malolactic fermentation enhanced roundness and depth. Aging for 10 months with French oak (50% new oak) retained the wine’s vibrant fruit character, while adding richness and complexity and softening tannins.
