Winemaking
100% Merlot
Brix: 24.0°
Hand Harvested: 9/28/2020
Hand Sorted
T/A: 6.4 g/L
pH: 3.59
R.S.: 0.0%
Unfined
Unfiltered
ABV: 14.5%
Cases Produced: 95
Cooperage: Bin & tank fermented, aged in neutral French oak for 18 months.
AVA: Finger Lakes
Vineyard Sites: 100% Southeast side of Seneca Lake
Soil Composition: Howard and Lansing Gravely Silt Loam
Tasting Notes
Heady and decadent aromas of bittersweet chocolate, açai, and pomegranate are embraced my warm and comforting notes of creamy cocoa. On the palate rich, dark flavors of boysenberry and black plum are surrounded by mingling notes of mocha and black tea. Lively acidity and taut, velvety tannins bring joyous lift and lasting grip that draws out in a long, cohesive finish. It’s been eight years since mother nature aligned the stars just right and moved us to make a Merlot Reserve. We’ve been missing it keenly and welcome it back with open arms.
Serving Temperature: 60° - 65°f
Drink Window: Drink now – 2027 – 2034+
Vintage Notes
2020 was a winemaker's dream, a vintage of idyllic growing conditions in the Finger Lakes. Expect to see extremely high-quality wines that show concentration, complexity, silky tannins, and the varietal specificity for which we are known. During the growing season we experienced gorgeous warm days and heat in timely doses. The heat produced the right amount of moisture stress (read lack of rain) to keep the fruit slightly dehydrated and the consequent flavor development of the skins and pulp lent a complexity to the juices that are playing out in the wines.
Winemakers Phil and Lauren crafted truly remarkable wines that will show well early but will have the depth of character to age gracefully.
