Aged 24 months in French barrels (20% new barrels). Rodney Strong has been planting Merlot since the 1970s. Currently, the wine is blended with grapes from selected contracted farmers, mainly from three of its own vineyards in Alexander Valley. It features black fruit, ripe tannins, plum and berry fruit aromas, burnt vanilla aromas and a long finish.
Vintage Information
In 2022, there was little rain from the previous fall to winter, and the new year was warm and dry, with temperatures reaching 37 degrees for several days in June. The maximum daytime temperature in the summer rose to 30 to 32 degrees, which, balanced with the coolness of the evenings, gave the grapes ideal flavor concentration and gentle acidity, and the weather was generally mild. The Merlot harvest took place from September 8th to 13th, 17 days earlier than the previous year. Aged for 12 months in French barrels (25% new barrels).
Origin: Dry Creek Valley 43%, Alexander Valley 38%, Russian River Valley 12%, Knights Valley 7%
Aging: Aged for 24 months in French barrels (20% new).
Tasting Comments
Notes of blackberry, fig compote and cassis provide a luxurious black fruit flavour, with soft tannins and pleasant oak spices, leading to a long finish.
This soft and elegant Merlot pairs well with pork chops and short rib ragu served with creamy polenta.
Field Information
The company planted Merlot in Geyserville, in the heart of Alexander Valley, in the early 1970s, and currently grows Merlot in three of its own vineyards in Alexander Valley, blending grapes from its own vineyards with grapes from contracted farms.
The result is a wine typical of Alexander Valley, with characteristics of black fruit and ripe tannins.
Vintage: 2022
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Merlot 78%
Blend: 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Zinfandel
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Sonoma County
Winemaker: Justin Seidenfeld
Aging: 24 months in French barrels (20% new barrels)
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.5%
JAN: 87512073395