2021 Merlot, Napa Valley

The growing season was free from severe weather issues, and, despite the drought, our yield increased five percent from 2020. We had no significant rainfall past the month of February, but mild spring and summer conditions provided an ideal environment for grapes to flower, bloom, and set in early spring. Notably cooler temperatures in August and September allowed us to pick each block at its ideal point of ripeness, leading to outstanding quality and great concentration in the fruit. The grape harvest drew to a close at the end of October, with the last grapes arriving just before an atmospheric river brought much-needed rain to Northern California.

Our Merlot grows both in our coolerAmerican Canyon and Carneros vineyards and in our warmer Yountville vineyard. We blendedMerlot from all three vineyards to create a balanced, complex wine that combines the richness and depth from the warmer climates and perfume and bright fruitiness from the cooler climates. We farm all of our certified organic vineyards naturally, using the principles of regenerative agriculture.