Vineyards
Our 2017 Best Barrels Merlot is comprised of 88% Merlot, 8%
Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, all from the best blocks at our
Blue Rock Estate Vineyard in Alexander Valley.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
A pure and light-to medium-ruby robe, full without being opaque,
introduces this gracious Merlot. In perfect sync with its pristine
color, the nose radiates notes of violets, warm blueberry, dusty mocha
and hints of vanilla. A sip reveals flavors of bright plums, a blend of
blue and blackberries and a gentle sprinkling of cocoa. Offering
intensity without heaviness, present but relaxed tannins support a
medium to full body carried through the long finish by just the right
beam of acidity. A Merlot of distinction, it will reveal ever more of
its bounty with another year or two in the cellar.
Food Affinities
A particularly versatile vintage at the table, the key here is the
pedigree of your ingredients and a skillfully light touch on the sauces.
Elegant enough to accompany your favorite herbed chicken, turkey or
pork dishes, it will nonetheless stand stand proudly next to something
richer like beef, lamb or game. Plenty of freshness and lift also
guarentee a good fit for your favorite red sauce, so feel free to break
out the italian menu as well.
Ageability
The 2017 vintage has a reputation for early drinking pleasure, and while
that holds true with this wine, we feel it will enter its prime
drinking window in another year or so, perhaps just in time for
Thanksgiving of 2021. Beyond that, it will happily evolve in your cellar
for another decade and then some.
Technical Data
Alcohol: 14.1%
pH: 3.66
TA: 6.1
44% New French Oak
22 Months in Barrel
Cases Produced: 126
Bottled: August 2019
Released: September 2020
