2019 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Saint Helena

89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc

Estate Grown and Bottled

Winemaking

Merryvale’s Profile Estate Vineyard lies on an eastern ridge overlooking the Napa Valley 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. The fruit was harvested at night in small picking lugs, then destemmed and double sorted at the winery. Each tank was gravity filled and the fruit was cold soaked for 5 days. Native yeast fermentation began after that and reached peak temperatures of 90°F. Pump-overs were done twice a day for a total maceration time between 15 to 21 days. The wines were then pressed and barreled down where malolactic fermentation occurred. We aged the wine for 21 months in 80% new French oak barrels. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes

Deft handling in the Cellar during the winemaking process creates complex aromas of plum, boysenberry, cedar, chocolate, and sage. On the palate the wine is full bodied with fine-grained tannins that displays a lifted elegance with a hint of graphite minerality leading to a beautiful lingering finish. Enjoy now and over the next 10+ years.