Our Sonoma Merlot
Discover our Merlot
Merlot is like being wrapped in a cashmere blanket during a Spring sunset, everything about it is comfortable. Fruit forward with velvety tannins and lower acidity, Merlot is a well-rounded wine from start to finish. Expect notes of black cherry, cocoa, plum, cloves, and blackberry pie.
What makes our Sonoma Merlot unique
After handpicking, handsorting, and destemming the Merlot, we cold soak the berries for 2–3 days. After inoculation begins, we do pumpovers during the morning and evening for 15 minutes for 3 days, then punchdowns 3 times a day for about 2 weeks until the juice is dry. We age the wine in 100% French Oak barrels, around 35% of them are new. Depending on the year, we will have a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon to bring more lift to the beginning of the palate.
We cold soak the berries for 3 days, then the tank is heated for fermentation. Pump overs twice a day for 15 minutes each for first 3 days, then punchdowns twice/day til grape juice is dry. Pressed and aged for an average of 18 months, in 100% French Oak barrels, 30% which are new.
Vineyards That Shape Our Merlot
Through the years, we have worked with a few award-winning Merlot vineyards: Los Chamizal Vineyard (Sonoma Valley), Wylier Vineyard (Sonoma Valley), and Pickberry Vineyard (Sonoma Mountain). Each vineyard practices sustainable methods in taking care of the vines.
The 2016 Merlot from Wylier Vineyard is one of our favorite years crafting Merlot. Our second year working with Wylier gave us a deeper understanding of the vineyard, combined with a cooler year that allowed the fruit to hang longer and develop a long-lasting balance of body, tannins, and acidity. A Merlot that shocks the non-Merlot drinkers.
Redefining Merlot’s Reputation
Even though Merlot has carried misconceptions through the years, it is a fighter—showing what a wine with depth, creativity, and balance can become with love and attention.
A favorite story: during a tasting with the owner of a wine shop on the East Coast, he explained how much he hated Merlot. Without telling him what he was about to taste, we poured him our Merlot. He enjoyed it, only to learn it was Merlot. After some colorful language and a long laugh, we talked about vineyards and craftsmanship. He ended up ordering the Merlot and placing it eye level on his shelves.
Our Sonoma Merlot Vintages
Explore our available vintages of Merlot from the Sonoma Valley and join our wine club for access to limited releases.
2013 – Merlot – LARGE
$150.00
2015 – Merlot
$43.00
2016 – Merlot
$36.00
Your questions on Merlot
Know more about Sonoma Merlot:
Is Sonoma Merlot a good dinner wine?
Merlot of Sonoma Valley is quite silky and balanced, can be paired by itself as well as dinner with friends, family, a chill evening with yourself.
What is Merlot best paired with?
A balanced wine like Merlot can be paired with mushroom pizza, roasted lamb chops, root vegetable risotto, pulled pork, sheep cheese, and tiramisu.
Is Merlot just red wine?
Merlot is mostly crafted into a red wine, fermented on the skins. Ever so often, Merlot will be made into a blanc, a white wine, where it is fermented on the juice.
Is Merlot a good wine for beginners?
For those beginning their foray into wine, Merlot is approachable & subtle with soft tannins & fruity flavors. A smooth wine without astringency and bitterness.
What's special about Sonoma Merlot?
Merlot from Sonoma County is unique as it hits all the categories you are looking for in a complete wine without the fuss. A smooth wine where the vineyard expression shines through its bouquet and palate. A luscious wine that can be paired with an array of foods and situations.