Merlot 2023
$ 17.00One of our most important varietals grown in Virginia, according to soil type and vintage conditions it can produce very structured age-worthy wines or supple wines, approachable at younger age. This Merlot derives from a parcel with rich soil and therefore has been naturally producing a very fragrant Merlot yet with a softer palate structure compared to other sites within the estate that contribute tour our Merlot Reserve and Octagon.
Featured profile
food pairings
Vegetable and mushroom lasagna with a generous shaving of Parmigiano Reggiano
Carpaccio of Heirloom tomatoes, fried calamari and aioli
Merlot braised pork ribs and rosemary roasted Yukon gold potatoes
tasting notes
The wine shows aromas of plum, black cherry, and pomegranate, the texture is immediately firm, fresh and then gently softens exhibiting a long and satisfying finish
VINTAGE FACTORS
Cellar life 5 yrs
March brought a bit of apprehension with much warmer than average temperatures indicating a potential early bud-break which may have resulted in high risk of frost damage in April, finally at the end of the third week the temperatures dropped in normal range and were followed but a beautiful April with ideal gradual warm up. Flowering started on May 15th and ended in early June with ideal mild temperature and gentle winds. The summer delivered gentle rains at the right time and harvest started in mid-August to finish in late September. The cluster were perfectly ripe in all varietals and produced some of the best wines ever in all varietals. A stellar Octagon vintage.
Fermentation
5-7 days at 82F
Post fermentation maceration
4-8 days according to the vintage
Composition
100% Merlot
Aging
12 months in used French oak barrels
Analysis
Alcohol, 12.5%
Residual Sugars, 0.1%
Total Acidity, 0.52%