Winemaker's Notes

Our 2019 Reserve Merlot grows on our Chalk Hill vineyard in Alexander Valley, the home of Bill an Yvonne Kreck . This 44 acre ranch is ideal for producing the high quality fruit that will become our Reserve Merlot and Cabernet. The fruit was hand harvested in September, 2019 and delivered to our winery in southern Dry Creek Valley. Clusters were gently de-stemmed and fermented in small tanks over a period of 12 days. The skins and seeds were punched-down 3 times a day to ensure exceptional extraction of flavors, color and tannins form the skins. After pressing, the wine was moved to French Oak barrels and aged for approximately 20 months.

Tasting Notes

The 2019 Reserve Alexander Valley Merlot immediately invokes the senses with aromatic bursts of cedar and sage, harmoniously intertwined with the more earthy allure of leather and the sweetness of ripe cherry. On the palate, the essence of briery berry fruit shines with an undertone of cedar and pronounced cherry. Its robust and pronounced tannins perfectly dovetail with a moderate to full body, and it culminates in a lingering finish that is both prolonged and punctuated with solid acidity. This wine promises to round out the perfect dinner when paired with sumptuous dishes such as Beef Bourguignon, Pork Roast adorned with a Cherry Glaze, heartwarming Pot Roast, or a classic Beef Stew. For those with patience, this merlot showcases its true potential when cellared, maturing gracefully over a span of five to ten years, making it a treasure for any wine connoisseur's collection.

Technical Data