2020 Merlot Reserve

Tasting Notes

Aromas of bittersweet chocolate, açai, and pomegranate with notes of creamy cocoa.  On the palate rich, dark flavors of boysenberry and black plum are surrounded by mingling notes of mocha and black tea.  Lively acidity and taut, velvety tannins bring joyous lift and lasting grip that draws out in a long, cohesive finish. 

Best enjoyed at 60° - 65°f
Suggested drink window: now – 2027 – 2034+

Winemaking

• 100% Merlot

• Vineyard locations: southeast side of Seneca Lake

• Soil: Howard and Lansing Gravely Silt Loam

• Hand harvested: 9/28/2020

• Unfined & unfiltered

• Brix: 24.0° • pH: 3.59 • T/A: 6.4 g/L • RS: 0.0% • ABV: 14.5% • Bottled: 5/23/2022

• Cases Produced: 95

2020 Tech Sheet

2020 Vintage Notes

2020 was a winemaker's dream, a vintage of idyllic growing conditions in the Finger Lakes. Expect to see extremely high-quality wines that show concentration, complexity, silky tannins, and the varietal specificity for which we are known. During the growing season we experienced gorgeous warm days and heat in timely doses. The heat produced the right amount of moisture stress (read lack of rain) to keep the fruit slightly dehydrated and the consequent flavor development of the skins and pulp lent a complexity to the juices that are playing out in the wines.

Winemakers Phil and Lauren crafted truly remarkable wines that will show well early but will have the depth of character to age gracefully.