Merlot Reserve 2021
$ 35.00Appearing only in superior vintages, the production of this wine is simply a happy dividend. Its production is naturally limited by not being required for blending the Octagon of that year. Cultivated, as are all the varietals destined for Octagon, in carefully selected blocks of our Goodlow Mountain vineyard, this wine is vinified for the greatest durability of shelf life and concentration of varietal expression.
Featured profile
FOOD PAIRINGS
Osso buco con polenta
Gnocchi with ragù bolognese
Duck scaloppine in Marsala
TASTING NOTES
Beautifully concentrated color. Complex aromas of ripe red fruit and subtle roasted elements. Exceptionally supple mouthfeel and very firm but luscious flavors, balanced without jamminess, sustained by natural acidity and well integrated tannins.
Vinification
VINTAGE FACTORS
Cellar life 20 years
The season opened in late March on a note of suspense – early bud break and frost threats, which were mitigated by our wind machines. Perfectly timed spring rains then allowed for a superior bloom of the clusters in early June. Ideally, from early July we received 7 weeks of very warm and dry weather. Manual watering took place in some parcels with low water retention, and in mid-August we received needed rain. Harvest took place at optimal ripening times between August 14th and September 21st. The 2021 weather gifted us with some of the most admirably balanced wines we have produced, reminiscent of the elegance we saw in Octagon 2009, winner of our 4th Governor’s Cup.
Fermentation
8-10 days on the skins in stainless steel
Maceration
8 days
Composition
Merlot 95%, Petit Verdot 5%
Aging
12 months, new and used French oak barriques
Analysis
Alcohol, 13.0%
Residual Sugars, 0.%
Total Acidity, 0.58%