Vintage: 2021 was yet another challenging year in the vineyards. After a second record dry winter in a row, bud break came early. In spring, the drought stricken vines struggled to grow and set a very light crop consisting of small clusters and berries. Yields were down nearly 50 percent! Moderate conditions throughout summer allowed this fruit to easily ripen. As expected, the wines of 2021 are intense, austere, and concentrated.
Vineyard: Merlot is harvested from five separate hillside locations on the Truchard Estate Vineyard. The differences in soil, exposure, and temperature at each site combine to produce unique growing conditions for the grapes. As a result, the wines from these hillsides each have their own identity, and each contributes different characteristics to the final blend. The vines range from 25 - 47 years old. Cabernet Franc - grown in adjacent areas of the vineyard - is blended to provide additional softness, structure, and complexity.
Harvest: September 15 - 30 • 24.7 ºBrix • 3.42 pH • 6.6 g/L TA
Winemaking: The fruit was gently destemmed and crushed, then inoculated with Pasteur Red yeast. Each fermentation was pumped-over twice daily, with the temperature peaking at 90º F. Maceration time varied from 12 to 28 days depending on vineyard block. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (35% new). The final blend is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. This wine is drinkable upon release, but will gracefully age for the next 15 - 20 years.
Wine Analysis: 14.2% alcohol • 3.53 pH • 6.2 g/l TA
Tasting Notes: An intense nose of wild blueberry, ripe plum, and cassis, with a touch of cedar and earth. The mouth is layered with bright flavors of red currants, cherry preserves, and sweet vanilla. Ripe tannins fill the palate and provide an elegant finish of dried red fruits.
Release Date: April 1, 2024
Cases Produced: 748 cases
