CrauforD Merlot 'Ben Nevis'
VINTAGE NOTES
We’re excited about the 2022 vintage. We had a faster paced growing season with a heat spike in early September, but our established and deep rooted vineyards were balanced, and we were prepared. It was one of the driest years on record, but the little rain that we had was well-timed, and the vines were thankful and happy. For our vineyards, the vintage was considered ‘normal’ in terms of timing. In general, the wines from 2022 are displaying ripe fruit, great structure and balance.
Winemaking Notes
All individual blocks were hand-picked and fermented separately. The fruit was destemmed, and berry-sorted on the crush pad. Fermentation lasted 16 days, with the wine drained and pressed at dryness. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels. The wine was aged in oak barrels for 22 months, gently racked and returned every 4 months to promote evolution of the tannin structure and complexity.
Tasting Notes
I find aromas and flavors of black cherry, plum, and blackberry … with hints of chocolate, vanilla, and baking spices from the oak aging. This wine has soft tannins and moderate acidity, contributing to its easy-drinking nature. It has a long, lingering warm finish.
Production
15 Barrels / 360 Cases
Vineyard Designation
Knollwood Vineyard
Profile
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Download Wine Notes
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| Vintage |
2022 |
| Varietal |
Merlot |
| Appellation |
Napa Valley |
| Harvest Date |
Hand-Picked. September 13, 2022. |
| Acid |
5.7 g/L TA |
| PH |
3.82 |
| Barrel Aging |
Aged 22 Months In 15 French Oak Barrels.
27%
New Barrels.
|
| Fermentation |
Bin Fermented, 16 Days Skin Contact Prior to Draining & Pressing. |
| Alcohol % |
14.2 |
| Size |
750 ml |
