2021 Merlot Oakville, Salon Select
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Winemaker Notes
Each block is hand harvested individually and brought to the winery where the clusters were sorted again before being destemmed, with 50% crushed and 50% whole berries in the fermentation. The must was then allowed 2-4 days cold soak followed by a warm fermentation using a variety of different yeast strains. With two pump overs a day the wine was only pressed off the skins when dry. It was then sent to barrel to undergo malolactic fermentation (lasting 6 months). Once this was complete it was racked one more time and then allowed to rest in barrel in our caves.
Vintage Notes
2021 started off gently with sunny skies and a warm spring. But as the spring wore on with little rain, it became clear that 2021 would be a drought year. As the dry but beautifully sunny summer continued, winemakers prepared for a lightened crop load, yet the valley drifted into a beautiful fall as the weather ended being perfect. The grapes were in perfect condition leading to another great Napa Valley vintage showcasing wines with powerful and intense flavor.
Vineyard Notes
Situated on fluvial soils deposited from the ever-changing course of the Napa River, this AVA vineyard benefits from good drainage, perfect exposure and readily available nutrients. The farming uses quad trellising to protect the grapes from too much sun exposure, allowing for a long hang time with plenty of time for the grapes to ripen to their full potential.
