Varietal Article
Merlot
Last edited on 5/8/2022 by tuscanswede
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2021 Smith Merlot
Bill Smith retired in 2020 and sold the vineyard that still bears his name. In Lancaster near the poppy reserve, the fruit picked out to less than half the yield we were expecting and proved to be a long, hot pick, made bearable by the comradery of our friends from Redlands and Yucaipa (Katie, Brandon, Eric, Joe, Janae, Caesar, Caesar, and Juan Carlos.
We crushed and destemmed the fruit. Fermentation kicked off the next day and was dry in 7 days. To preserve the lightness of the wine, we pressed it to barrel without extended maceration. Though ripe, it is also lean and refreshing.
The future of this vineyard is uncertain, but we are grateful we had the opportunity make this wine.
• Alcohol 12.76%
• Smith Vineyard
Bill Smith retired in 2020 and sold the vineyard that still bears his name. In Lancaster near the poppy reserve, the fruit picked out to less than half the yield we were expecting and proved to be a long, hot pick, made bearable by the comradery of our friends from Redlands and Yucaipa (Katie, Brandon, Eric, Joe, Janae, Caesar, Caesar, and Juan Carlos.
We crushed and destemmed the fruit. Fermentation kicked off the next day and was dry in 7 days. To preserve the lightness of the wine, we pressed it to barrel without extended maceration. Though ripe, it is also lean and refreshing.
The future of this vineyard is uncertain, but we are grateful we had the opportunity make this wine.
• Alcohol 12.76%
• Smith Vineyard