A bit fuller than Pinot Noirs that you might be more familiar with, this Pinot has rich and velvety tannins, deep black cherry and ripe strawberry flavors. The wine covers the pallet completely from front to back and the finish does not disappoint like most California Pinot Noirs. The silky finish lingers with pleasant dark fruit and pairs wonderfully with both your red meats, pastas and fish!
This Pinot Noir is a balanced wine that offers black cherry and plum, prune, mission fig, dark chocolate, damp forest floor, crushed violets and blackberry jam alongside semi-refined tannins and modest acidity.
Vineyards and Growing Season:
The Merlo Family Vineyards are located on the riverbanks of the wild and scenic South Fork of the Trinity River. Surrounded by 8000 ft. mountains on all sides, the vineyards are higher than most California vineyards, at an elevation of 1,250 feet. The valley floor has alluvial soils, allowing for excellent drainage and producing elegant yet complex flavors. The surrounding hillsides are composed of shallow native clay, which helps to create bold, well- structured wines. The growing season, a full three to four weeks later than that of Napa or Sonoma, allows for a much slower ripening, increasing hang time and creating full concentrated flavors without over – ripening or depleting natural acids.
