Cole Ranch Merlot 2020

From the Winemaker:

Winemaker Notes
By far the surprise grape coming off the vineyard in 2020. Each cluster looked like the other and there was no variation in berry size. Outstanding balance of ripeness at 22.6 brix at harvest. Because of the hangtime, the skins were thick but not bitter or astringent. Just lovely. 100% De-stemmed and used pump overs to mix the tanks. Secondary fermentation finished in the mix of neutral French oak.

Tasting Notes
A bold yet elegant wine. Bergamot, grapefruit peel, black tea, cocoa nib, pencil shavings, firm tannins full body, high acid, black cherry, red mulberry are just a few things that hit the paper with the pencil.

The Cole Ranch vineyard sits on 180 acres of the Boonville grade, right between the famed Anderson Valley and “Inner Mendo” growing regions. Originally planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Merlot in 1973, the historic vineyard has since expanded its lineup to include Jura and Savoie varieties truly suited to the narrow mountain valley’s long, cool growing season. Dry farmed for most of their existence, these vines send their thick roots down into the valley’s gravelly-clay-loam soil, drawing up the minerals that contribute to our wine’s complexity and age-ability.