2018 Estate Merlot

• Varieties:
  100% Merlot
• Appellation:
  Paso Robles - Templeton Gap District
• Average brix at harvest:
  24.5
• Vineyard:
  Estate
• Alcohol:
  13.7%
• Acidity:
  0.68g/100ml
• pH:
  3.53
• Residual sugar:
  0.01 g/100ml
• Date bottled:
  July 16, 2021
• Cases produced:
  91
• Retail Price:
  $ 26.00

Growing conditions:
Late winter rainfall (all in March), light frost (whites) and cool spring/early summer produced great fruit set. Judicious thinning and warm days lasting into October led to an outstanding late harvest with excellent quality and yields.

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 13 days prior to pressing. After completion of malo-lactic fermentation, this merlot was aged for 24 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 2023-2026.

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