2018 Merryvale Chairman's Selection Red Wine

Winemaking

Our Chairman’s Selection Red Wine is an unusual Napa Valley blend that delivers big flavor without big tannins. The fruit was hand harvested at night to retain freshness and acidity. Native fermentation started after a 5-day cold soak and reached a peak temperature of 85°F. The wine was pumped over twice a day until dry, then pressed and drained to barrels where malolactic fermentation occurred. Aged for 23 months in 50% new French oak barrels with medium-long toast, the Chairman’s Selection was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Vintage

2018 was a remarkable vintage—the long growing season allowed the grapes to achieve full phenolic maturity, while the lack of extreme weather created the ideal conditions for harvesting at peak ripeness. Abundant rains early in the year were followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Chairman’s Selection is a deliciously pleasurable, fruity and expressive red. Soft and round but with great drive and a long finish. Gorgeous floral notes emerge as the wine opens, complementing the red fruits. A great party wine that pairs with a wide range of foods. This wine is drinking beautifully now and will evolve over the next 10+ years.

Blend: 84% Malbec, 14% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyards: Stagecoach plus other select vineyards

Cooperage: 22 months in 50% new French oak barrels

Alc: 14.5%

pH: 3.6

TA: 6.1 g/L