Merlot
Tasting Notes
The 2021 StoneCap Merlot offers a rich bouquet of black cherry and raspberry with hints of spice and toast. The palate is broad and juicy, featuring deep fruit flavors and a fresh mineral lift. Plum skin and brambly red berry notes add complexity, culminating in a lively, satisfying finish.
Vineyards
StoneCap is made with estate-grown grapes from the expansive, renowned Goose Ridge Vineyard in Washington State’s Columbia Valley. This valley and its surrounding rivers were formed during the Ice Age. The soil in this region is frequently wind-blown, leaving a “stonecap” at the top of the hills.
Winemaking
This estate Merlot was fermented in stainless steel tanks from vineyard blocks on our east side. The wine was pumped over twice daily to facilitate flavor development and color extraction. The wine was pressed-off after a week-long maceration and allowed to complete malolactic fermentation on oak, softening and polishing the mouthfeel for a smooth, textured wine. The wine spent several months developing on oak before being carefully selected and blended to create the best possible accentuation of the softness and intense fruit character to be found in our estate wines.
Technical Information
- Vintage:
- 2021
- Alcohol:
- 13.2%
- Region:
- Columbia Valley, Washington
- Varietals:
- 87% Merlot, 13% Syrah
