2020 Estate Merlot

• Varieties:
  100% Merlot
• Appellation:
  Paso Robles - Templeton Gap District
• Average brix at harvest:
  24.9
• Vineyard:
  Estate
• Alcohol:
  13.9%
• Acidity:
  0.69g/100ml
• pH:
  3.48
• Residual sugar:
  0.02 g/100ml
• Date bottled:
  September 02, 2022
• Cases produced:
  98
• Retail Price:
  $ 28.00

Growing conditions:
Minimal winter rainfall until a wet March averted an extreme drought. No frost events but windy conditions during bloom led to a smaller fruit set. The lighter crop coupled with a long warm summer led to an outstanding earlier, small harvest with excellent quality.

Winemaking:
The grapes were hand harvested, then crushed into a stainless fermentor. 24 hours later, the must was inoculated with D80 yeast then pumped over twice daily for 14 days prior to pressing. After completion of malo-lactic fermentation, this merlot was aged for 20 months in French and Hungarian oak prior to bottling.

Tasting notes:
Intense aromas of bing cherries and spices are complimented by a background of spicy oak. Rich flavors with layers of complex, supple tannins interlocking with rich oak flavors and a long, intense finish.

Cellaring:
While enjoyable now, this 100% merlot will continue to improve with proper cellaring for another 3-6 years in the bottle with a plateau of best drinkability from 2026-2028.

Food selection:
This elegant wine will compliment a large array of food dishes but is best with beef, lamb and ripe cheeses.