Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Red Mountain
Harvest Date
Sept. 9-18
Sugar
24-27 brix at harvest
Acid
5.6 g/L
pH
3.59
Aging
22 months in 38% new French Oak and 62% neutral French oak
Fermentation
8-11 days in open fermentation bins
Bottling Date
August 8, 2022
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Advocate
88
2020 Fly Rod Merlot
In Stock
Our first varietal Merlot is a blend of two Red Mountain vineyards: Ciel du Cheval and Quintessence. Aromas of cherry and vanilla with flavors of plum, herbs and oak.
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Aromas of cherry, vanilla, leather and anise. Flavors of black cherry, plum, herbs, chocolate and a hint of oak. Medium body with soft tannins and a juicy finish. Merlot pairs with just about anything. Our favorites are pizza, BBQ chicken, rack of lamb or ratatouille.
Awards
Savor Northwest (Gold); Seattle Wine Awards (Silver); Pacific NW Wine Competition (Silver)
Vineyard Notes
50% Ciel du Cheval Vineyard and 50% Quintessence Vineyard
Production Notes
Our grapes were hand sorted and mechanically destemmed into a small bin for a 3 day cold soak to bring out flavors and color. Yeast and nutrients were then added to start a 8-11 day fermentations followed by a 9 day extended maceration on the skins to enhance the mid-palate and soften tannins. Then the “free run” wine was pumped into barrels and the remaining skins were gently pressed to extract remaining wine. into the barrels. The wine then went through a malolactic fermentation which further softens the wine.
Winemaker Notes
Our first varietal Merlot is dedicated to the memory of co-winemaker John Richardson’s cousin and friend Steve Danton, who loved Merlot.
Production
120 cases
Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Red Mountain
Harvest Date
Sept. 9-18
Sugar
24-27 brix at harvest
Acid
5.6 g/L
pH
3.59
Aging
22 months in 38% new French Oak and 62% neutral French oak
Fermentation
8-11 days in open fermentation bins
Bottling Date
August 8, 2022
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Advocate
88