Palate
It brings my heart great joy to present our first Merlot in six
years! This deep ruby glass full of bliss caresses the nose
with sultry aromas of vanilla, figs, cocoa, and poached plums.
The palate is voluptuous. Dark fruit essences of plums,
brambleberries, and black raspberries dovetail with earthy
cedar and oak. Lean, lithe tannins bely the gracefulness of
this sensuous Merlot and promise a long, gratifying life
Growing Conditions
2020 was a vintage of idyllic growing conditions, especially in northeast USA terms. We could hardly ask for better growing conditions or a more forgiving and timely harvest. We experienced all the heat we could desire in timely doses. Not overbearing, just continuous and moderate. There was a welcome level of comfort having the fruit basking post leaf removal without the worry of burn. In addition, 2020 offered just the right amount of moisture stress (read lack of rain) to keep the fruit slightly dehydrated and the consequent flavor development of the skins and pulp lent a complexity to the juices that are playing out in the wines. Wines that people will be savoring both as a panacea to the angst that 2020 brings to the mind as well as feeding the palate the everpresent desire for excitement. A winemaker's dream. Expect to see wines of extremely high quality from this vintage, both reds and whites (and sparkling!!). Phil and Lauren have nursed these wines to speak well of the year that many will want to forget. A conundrum. Nature has prevailed, as she always will, over the whims of man.
Bottling
Bottling Date: 8/26/2021
Aging
Aged for 9 months in neutral French oak.
