2017 Merryvale Chairman's Selection Red Wine

Winemaking

Our Chairman’s Selection Red Wine is a Cabernet-based blend sourced from select hillside vineyards in Napa Valley. Every vintage, In 2016, the fruit was harvested in early October, double sorted upon arrival at the winery and fermented in a 5-ton tank. Native fermentation started after a 5-day cold soak and total time in tank went from 15 to 20 days with daily pump overs. Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel and the wine was racked every 6 months. The wine was aged for 22 months in 60% new French oak barrels and bottled without fining or filtration.

Vintage

The year began with abundant rainfall. Spring weather was mild, and the vines were vigorous thanks to the winter rains. Warm weather over Labor Day weekend kicked harvest into high gear, but cooler weather arrived immediately afterward allowing sugar levels to return to normal. We completed harvest on October 6th, just two days before the wine country wildfires started.

Tasting Notes

The 2017 Chairman’s Selection showcases vineyards that consistently produce intense and powerful flavors. An explosion of brambly red fruit leads off this multidimensional, intriguing blend. Medium bodied on the palate with great acid and tannin balance, this wine is extremely pleasurable. With proper cellaring, this wine will drink beautifully for the next 10 to 15 years.

Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec

Vineyards: Stagecoach plus other select vineyards

Cooperage: 22 months in 60% new French oak barrels

Alc: 14.5%

pH: 3.8

TA: 5.5 g/L