2021 Merlot
In Stock
Merlot is the new normal. Though unfairly treated for years, Merlot is striding confidently into your home and into your glass, brimming with bright fruit, easy tannins, and an approachable softness.
Beginning with a nose of vanilla and toasty oak, our Estate Merlot unfolds smoothly into blueberry and plum flavors, framed by a balanced acidity and lightly toasted wood notes. This full-bodied wine fills the palate with black fruit and a hint of chocolate that carries through to a lingering, lush finish. It’s a perfect pairing with both vegetarian and heartier beef fare, think beef stew, short ribs or polenta-based dishes. Roll out the welcome mat, Merlot is knocking at your door.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Monterey
Vineyard
100% San Lucas
Harvest Date
Oct 29- Nov 1, 2021
pH
3.54
Aging
56% American oak, 44% French oak, 30% new, 16 months
Bottling Date
Jun 13, 2023
Alcohol %
14.8
Wine Profile
Vineyard
Once known as cattle country, our San Lucas Vineyard is a postcard-perfect vineyard with gorgeous rolling topography, warm sunshine-filled days, and nights that are cold and crisp. This locale marks Monterey’s climatic tipping point, and it is so distinguished that the San Lucas AVA was established in 1987. Our San Lucas Vineyard is home to not just this beautiful Merlot, but also stellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhône varietals such as Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, and some of our unique varietals, including Charbono, Barbera and Primitivo. We’ve been growing wine grapes on San Lucas since 1979 and it’s a vineyard that holds a special place in our hearts.
Varietal Composition
100% Merlot
Winemaking
Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were destemmed, crushed, and fermented in 1½ ton open-top fermenters. Punch downs, where the firm cap of skins and seeds that bubble up and form on the surface during red fermentation are submerged, were conducted twice a day for two weeks. After settling the heavy solids, the juice was racked clean to barrels and aged for 16 months. It is wonderful to drink now, yet also suitable for additional aging.
Cases Produced
196