Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
High Valley
Vineyard Designation
HSR
pH
3.41
Bottling Date
06/08/2023
Alcohol %
14.4
2021 Merlot
93 PTS * Wine Enthusiast
In Stock
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Vibrant aromas of raspberry sorbet and sweet vanilla oak are front and center in our
2021 Estate Merlot. The palate is integrated well; while cranberry and pomegranate
enveloped by fine grained tannins offer a smooth texture and lingering finish.
Vineyard Notes
Our home ranch on the west side of the High Valley AVA has been known as “High
Serenity Ranch” for over one hundred years. The blocks planted to this idyllic site
include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Each block is comprised
of ancient lakebed and alluvial soils from the surrounding mountain range. The
transverse valley winds create some of the coolest sites in Lake County. The lower
temperatures on the valley floor allow for diurnal temperature swings of more than
forty degrees, enhancing flavor development while retaining a crisp acidity in the fruit.
Winemaker Notes
At Brassfield Estate, our winemaking emphasizes quality and the use of traditional
hand-crafted techniques, creating wines that have power and finesse. This single
vineyard Merlot was harvested in the early morning hours to maximize quality. We
kept our fermentation healthy with twice daily pump overs. The wine was then
barreled down for malolactic fermentation in our caves. To showcase the fruit and
structure of this wine, it was aged for 18 months in French oak puncheons. The
wine was stirred monthly on lees to achieve body and texture. This wine was lightly
fined and filtered for bottling.
Production
168 cases
Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
High Valley
Vineyard Designation
HSR
pH
3.41
Bottling Date
06/08/2023
Alcohol %
14.4