2022 The Estates Merlot, Oak Knoll

$95

Total $95
Total

Grapes for this Merlot come from our Oak Knoll District, known for more moderate temperatures than other parts of Napa Valley, thanks to the cool bay breezes. This allows the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly while maintaining its fresh acidity and aromatics.

Aromas: Fresh plum, strawberry and blueberry, baking spices, toasted oak
Flavors: Black and whiskey cocktail cherries, vanilla, graham cracker
Body: Plush and juicy with a nice density and round, fine tannins

ABV 14.8%

Vintage 2022

Varietal Merlot

Appellation Oak Knoll District

Acidity 6.9 g/L

pH 3.47

Residual Sugar 0.4 g/L

96% Merlot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Cabernet Sauvignon

THE VINEYARD: The majority of the fruit for this Merlot comes from the vineyards of our long-term growers in Oak Knoll District where slightly cooler temperatures provide ideal growing conditions for Merlot and enables us to pick the fruit when ripeness and freshness are in perfect harmony.

THE VINTAGE: The 2022 growing season was mild, dry, and very pleasant through August. Temperatures surged for a week in August. Our grape-growing and winemaking teams worked non-stop to keep the vines healthy and happy until temperatures cooled. The fruit was harvested by hand and fermented in our oak tanks. It was then pressed off and aged in French oak barrels (58% new).