2023 Dry Creek Merlot 750ml

Vineyard Source: Our Dry Creek Mountain Vineyard lies from 400 to 600 feet in elevation on the eastern side of Bradford Mountain. This exposure prevents the vineyard from baking in the intense heat of the afternoon sun, translating into lower Brix and higher acid at maturity. The soil on the property is an iron-rich deep-red Boomer loam derived from metamorphosed basalt. Blocks 11 and 12 Merlot are clone 3 planted in 1994 and block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon is clone 7, also planted in 1994.

 

Vintage 2023: A wet winter followed by a cool spring and summer allowed clusters to size above expectations. Continued moderate temperatures in late summer and early fall resulted in slow ripening and a harvest that was a month later than 2022, with moderate acid and fresh flavors. Unlike 2022, we had no heat waves, and even the exposed portion of the terraces remained unscathed by the sun. We harvested the Merlot the morning of October 25, at 25 o Brix, and the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 30, at 24 o Brix.

Winemaking: The grapes were sorted, destemmed, and crushed, then pumped into a stainless-steel tank. A blend of non-saccharomyces yeasts was added upon receipt, then cold soaked for six to nine days before inoculation. Cap management was gentle, and fermentation was cool. The must was pressed while still sweet, at seven to nine Brix, and inoculated for ML fermentation at dryness. The wine was settled, racked into barrels, and aged for 16 months on lees in French oak barrels, 35% of which were new.

 

Tasting Notes: Our 2023 DCM Merlot ebullient color hints at this zaftig’s round and ample aromas and flavors. Bing cherry pie, plums, vanilla bean, green cardamon, rhubarb and anise. A panoply of flavors echo and amplify with blackberry, watermelon, figs and lavender vying for the fore. A pastry smooth mouthfeel ensues - so supple this young grace. Tasted (07-01-25)

 

Variety

93% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyard Location

Dry Creek Mountain Vineyard Block 11, 12 & 1

Harvest Dates

October 25 and 30, 2023

Brix at Harvest

Average: 24.9°

Alcohol

14.5%

pH

3.48

Titratable Acidity (TA) 0.62 g/100 mL

Residual Sugar

 0.18%

Length/Type of Aging

16 months on lees in 60-gal oak barrels.

Oak Types

35% new French barrels by Colbert, Nadalie and Marsannay

Bottling Date

May 23, 2025

Number of Cases: 294

Vegan