2023 Chenin Blanc – Merrill Vineyard
Merrill Vineyard . Clarksburg AVA
The 2023 vintage immediately welcomes you with aromas of ripe yellow apple and grapefruit. As it sits and the temperature slowly rises, subtle spice notes develop that blossom into a fragrant bouquet, complimenting the citrus fruit aroma. On the palate, these flavors are accented by hints of ginger and honey as they progress to the finish. This wine delivers a crisp mouthfeel and is buzzing with a fresh minerality and balanced acidity that is perfect for any occasion.
Awards & Accolades
| 90 Points | Wine Enthusiast, 2024 |
Technical Details
| SOIL COMPOSITION | Silty and Mucky Clay Loam. Derivation mixed rock and decomposed plants. |
| VINEYARD PHILOSOPHY | Certified Sustainable |
| TRELLISING | Quadrilateral |
| CLONE | 01 & 04 |
| ACRES | 19.38 |
| LOCATION | 38°16’50.8”N, 121°30’31.5”W |
| HARVEST DATE | September 22, 2023 |
| BRIX AT HARVEST | 20.5° |
| AGING | French & American Oak; 3 Months |
| BOTTE DATE | December 20, 2023 |
| CASES PRODUCED | 1573 | 6 Pack |
| TA | 5.6 g/L |
| PH | 3.45 |
| RS | 1.6 g/L |
Appellation: Clarksburg
Vintage: 2023
Alcohol: 12.5%
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 2023 vintage has been a reminder of the grit required to be a winegrape grower. The season commenced with record breaking rainfall from a system of ‘atmospheric rivers’ that put pressure on the nearby river and slough systems. Our vines were able to stretch out in the soil and regain their strength from previous drought years. Our teams carefully managed each vineyard to tamp down threats that were the result of a wet start and their efforts were recognized with the quality of the 2023 vintage. Summer came in softly, with long days and cooler temperatures – excellent conditions for a long growing season. Harvest started in earnest in early September and finished nearly two months later on November 13th. We’re proud to bring you the 2023 vintage, which jumps out of the glass with superb fruit quality that showcases the soul of every team involved in the making of these wines.
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.
