2019 Merryvale Petit Verdot Saint Helena

Wine Making

Merryvale’s Estate Vineyard lies on an eastern ridge overlooking St. Helena at almost 1,000 feet of elevation. Planted in 1997, this vineyard consistently delivers grapes that stand out for their plush fruit character, complexity and silky tannins. Native yeast fermentation reached peak temperatures of 88°F. Pumpovers were done twice a day until the wines were pressed and barreled down where malolactic fermentation occurred. We aged the wine for 22 months in 50% new French oak barrels. The final blend comprised of 76% Petit Verdot, 13.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10.5% Cabernet Franc was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes

An aromatically explosive wine, this unique bottling reflects all the power and expressiveness characteristic of Petit Verdot. Usually a small blending component in more Cabernet Sauvignon heavy Bordeaux style blends, Petit Verdot takes center stage here. Enticing aromas of jasmine, violets, blue fruits, and baking spices lead into a powerful yet seamless palate of structured tannin layered with notes of blueberry cobbler and dark chocolate. The long, alluring finish rewards return. Powerful while young, this wine will benefit from decanting and age gracefully over the next 10+ years.