2021 Chardonnay – Merrill Vineyard
Merrill Vineyard . Clarksburg AVA
Coming from our Clarksburg Merrill Vineyard, our newest vintage Chardonnay has something for everyone to enjoy. The delicate gold color of this wine really sets the tone for what is to come. Immediately, you are immersed in savory and slightly sweet aromas reminiscent of freshly baked brioche bread brushed with butter. On the Palate, the balance of this wine really shines. The acidity is fresh and vibrant on the front with flavors of honeyed melon and tropical pineapple. Towards the finish, soft, warmer tones come through due to 15 months of neutral oak aging.
Certified Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing
Technical Details
| SOIL COMPOSITION | Silty and Mucky Clay Loam. Derivation mixed rock and decomposed plants. |
| VINEYARD PHILOSOPHY | Certified Sustainable |
| TRELLISING | T-Trellis with 16” foliage crossarm |
| CLONE | 04 |
| ACRES | 81.09 |
| LOCATION | 38°16’50.8”N, 121°30’31.5”W |
| HARVEST DATE | August 21 – September 1, 2021 |
| BRIX AT HARVEST | 24.2° |
| AGING | Neutral Oak; 16 Months |
| BOTTE DATE | March 28, 2023 |
| CASES PRODUCED | 2300 | 6 Packs |
| TA | 5.0 g/L |
| PH | 3.49 |
| RS | 1.5 g/L |
Region: California
Appellation: Clarksburg
Vintage: 2021
Alcohol: 14.5%
Vineyard Notes
Bordering the Snodgrass Slough in the California Delta, our Merrill Vineyard is located in the Clarksburg Appellation. The 81.09 acres sits on Mucky Clay and Clay soil that retains water so we keep a close eye on irrigation to ensure a healthy, balanced vine.
Production Notes
The 2021 vintage brought us the earliest start of harvest we’ve experienced, with our crews starting on July 26th. After our white and early red varietals were brought in to the winery, many of our red varietals were predicted to reach maturity at the same time. The compaction of the second half of the harvest season became both a challenge and priority for us. As Fall approached, the smaller fruit set, paired with consistently higher temperatures caused many red varietals to mature rapidly. Varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petite Sirah came off three weeks sooner than average, with slightly higher brix than targeted, although with good acidity. With all said and done, the vintage came in smaller than expected, though with outstanding quality that we are thrilled to present.
Other Notes
CLARKSBURG AVA – Located on the Sacramento River in the heart of the Delta, the Clarksburg AVA has a profound maritime influence. Cool mornings give way to warm afternoons and temperatures quickly cool again in the evenings. With land at or below sea level, the fertile soil attracts and holds nutrients and water which calls for constant monitoring.
