2011 Merlot
Wine Specs
Vintage
2011
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Monterey
Vineyard
69% San Lucas, 25% Mesa del Rio, 6% Hames Valley
Harvest Date
October 26 – November 11
Harvest Brix
Average of 25.3°
pH
3.44
Aging
18 months in 42% American, 36% French, 22% Hungarian small oak barrels
Bottling Date
June 3, 2013
Alcohol %
14.3
5 In Stock
Bashing Merlot is oh so 2004. Here at Scheid, we have never wavered in our deep love of this alluring, classic Bordeaux varietal. The geographical spread of our estate vineyards gives us the ability to craft a luscious and complex Merlot that is unabashedly juicy. As equally comfortable with prime rib as it is with pizza, it is a wine that will stand-up to full-flavored fare, but can also mellow out with more subtly-prepared dishes. Versatility is Merlot’s middle name and it is quite often our go-to red on the dinner table. Our 2011 vintage is a stylish wine, loaded with black fruit character and enhanced by delicious spice and vanilla notes. The bold fruit of this full-bodied wine is balanced with rich oak flavors and unfolds into a smooth, lingering finish.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2011
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Monterey
Vineyard
69% San Lucas, 25% Mesa del Rio, 6% Hames Valley
Harvest Date
October 26 – November 11
Harvest Brix
Average of 25.3°
pH
3.44
Aging
18 months in 42% American, 36% French, 22% Hungarian small oak barrels
Bottling Date
June 3, 2013
Alcohol %
14.3
Wine Profile
Awards
Best Merlot, Best of Monterey, 96 Pts. - 2015 Monterey Wine Competition, Gold - 2015 West Coast Wine Competition
Vineyard
The Merlot was sourced primarily from two of our estate vineyards: San Lucas and Mesa del Rio. San Lucas Vineyard, 69% of the blend, is located south of our Greenfield headquarters. Here, the days are warmer and longer, yet cool down quite dramatically when the sun goes down, recording a greater day-to-night temperature differential. This brings out a lush black cherry fruitiness with a soft-on-the-palate feel. Mesa del Rio, comprising 25% of the blend, is situated in the cooler climate zone of the Greenfield area. Cool-climate Merlot tends to have greater color extraction and more intense, concentrated flavors, with a spicy undercurrent. The resulting blend is a wonderfully balanced wine with abundant, full fruit and a subtle spiciness and earthiness.
Winemaking
Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were destemmed, crushed, and fermented in small 1-ton open top fermenters. Punchdowns, where the firm cap of skins and seeds that bubble up and form on the surface during red fermentation are submerged, were conducted 3 times a day for 2 weeks. After settling the heavy solids, the juice was racked clean to barrels (a mix of 42% air-dried American, 36% French and 22% Hungarian small oak) and aged for 18 months before bottling. Prior to bottling, the Merlot was blended with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon to add complexity and increased tannins to allow for longer aging. The bottled wine was laid-down for an additional 20 months prior to release. It is wonderful to drink now, yet also suitable for aging.
Cases Produced
625