Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Carneros
Acid
0.59 g/100ml
pH
3.51
Alcohol %
14.7
2020 Avant-Garde Merlot
In Stock
Carneros is a special, if not magical, place for Merlot. We only produce it when the vintage is just right to allow plenty of hang time and true varietal expression. This wine opens up beautifully within a few minutes of pouring into a glass. Aromas of raspberry and black cherry followed by tobacco leaf, saddle leather, and hot brick. Only 185 cases produced. Winery exclusive.
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
This wine opens up beautifully within a few minutes of pouring into a glass. Aromas of raspberry and black cherry followed by tobacco leaf, saddle leather, and hot brick. On the palate one encounters notes of damson plum, baked cherry, and candied fruit. While this 2020 vintage shows well in its youth, additional cellar time up to 10 years is possible with its firm acidity and will allow this wine to uncoil in the bottle.
Vineyard Notes
The 2020 vintage is defined by low yields and concentrated, complex fruit. Early spring frosts and rain during May fruit set limited the number of berries per cluster. Summer drought kept berries small while optimal temperatures throughout July and August ripened them beautifully.
Winemaker Notes
Gentle de-stemming (without crushing) treatment coaxed out the expression of this unique site of beautiful red clay - specifically in terms of its silky tannins which create a truly seamless wine. In addition, we hand sorted all the fruit selecting the best clusters while leaving behind anything that was less than perfect. We only produce it when the vintage is just right to allow plenty of hang time and true varietal expression.
Food Pairing Notes
Our winemaker suggests pairing the 2020 Avant-Garde Merlot with rich meats like grilled rib-eye and baby lamb chops, or also with classic French ratatouille.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Carneros
Acid
0.59 g/100ml
pH
3.51
Alcohol %
14.7