Limited Release Merlot
SPECIAL EDITION
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Try it today!
The attack is big, as this wine warms the palate with flavors of plum, dark rich berries and oak.
The 2018 Limited Release Merlot spent two years in 100% neutral oak barrels, which is a relatively long time for a Merlot to spend in barrel. During this time, the wine developed some additional complexity and depth, emphasizing some fantastic, captivating tasting notes.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Leelanau Peninsula
Vineyard Designation
2018 was the last year we harvest Merlot grapes from our 50-year-old Tatch Road vineyard.
Acid
6.51
pH
3.48
Aging
Barrel aged 24 months: 100% neutral French Oak
Fermentation
Primary fermentation in stainless steel, secondary fermentation in oak.
Residual Sugar
0.6
Alcohol %
12.75
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
The attack is big, as this wine warms the palate with flavors of plum, dark rich berries and oak.
The 2018 Limited Release Merlot spent two years in 100% neutral oak barrels, which is a relatively long time for a Merlot to spend in barrel. During this time, the wine developed some additional complexity and depth, emphasizing some fantastic, captivating tasting notes.
Our Merlot grapes are typically low in tannins, but the extended aging in oak gave the wine a firmer, more structured mouthfeel and added some additional tannic complexity. Although the oak barrels were neutral, a unique woody, nutty flavor developed in the wine during the extended aging period. Periodic movement of the barrels caused the wine to pick up some spicy notes from the oak, which blended with the fruit and earthy flavors to create a more complex flavor profile. Finally, the wet summer which resulted in a more nutrient-rich soil accentuated the earthy, mineral-like flavor profile in the wine.
Awards
2021 TEXSOM International Wine Awards (2017 Vintage)
2021 San Francisco International Chronicle Wine Competition Bronze (2017 Vintage)
2019 San Francisco International Chronicle Wine Competition Silver (2016 Vintage)
Vineyard Notes
2018 was warm and wet. It was one of the warmest of the previous 14 seasons with precipitation well above average for most of the season. A warm season combined with cropping levels that were just a bit low resulted in excellent ripening of the fruit in terms of good sugar development and pronounced flavors.
Winemaker Notes
Merlots that are aged in oak tend to be more complex and structured, which can enable them to age gracefully over time. The tannins in the wine will help to preserve its structure and slow down the oxidation process, which will help the wine to age and develop more complex flavors and aromas. If the 2018 Limited Release Merlot is stored in optimal conditions (i.e., in a dark, cool, and stable environment with minimal fluctuations in temperature and humidity), it could potentially continue to age for several years, even up to a couple of decades or more. In summary – enjoy a wonderful 2018 Merlot vintage tomorrow or in 2043!
Cheers!
Other Notes
105 Cases Produced
