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2021 Merlot
Description
Winemaking Notes
Our 2021 Sonoma County Merlot is lush with notes of blackberry, fig compote and cassis. Medium bodied with soft tannins, this wine boasts toasty oak and spice on the mid-palate punctuated by a full and lively finish. These luscious dark fruit and toasty flavors are enhanced by aging in French oak barrels. Enjoy this soft and elegant Merlot with grilled pork chops and cherry reduction, lavender crusted lamb shanks or creamy polenta with a short rib ragu.
History
We've been growing Merlot since the early 1970s, when Rod Strong first planted it in Geyserville, the heart of Alexander Valley. Today we continue to farm Merlot in three estate vineyards in Alexander Valley, where it grows into grapes that display the deep dark fruit flavors and mature tannins typical of a warmer American Viticultural Area.
The Vineyards
2021 was another fantastic vintage in California. In Sonoma County it started with a
copious amount of rain saturating the soil in late winter and early spring. Early summer heat waves acclimated the vines to warmer weather, which allowed the grapes to withstand a later heat spell in August, moving the sugars higher and allowing flavors to ripen. With all things in balance, harvest took place September 4th through the 27th.
