2021 Gail Pickberry Merlot 750ml

It was unfortunate that we were were unable to harvest this fruit in 2020 due to wild fires and fear of smoke taint. But we are back with one of the longest relationships with have with a vineyard. Our 2021 Pickberry Merlot comes from the firm, clay-based soils, about 600' up the northern slopes of Sonoma Mountain. Mother Nature pushed ripeness faster on us than in previous years, trading out lighter herbaceous notes of previous vintages for a focused fruit profile. The wines massive structure coupled with Pickberry's signature blue fruit and intense menthol notes is just right on.

We brought the fruit in early morning, destemmed it and put it aside for a 5-day cold soak. Then started with punch downs twice a day until dry. We barreled down into neutral French oak for a 20-month élevage, leaving it on its primary lees for an extended period of time to help develop varietal character and build volume on the palate. It was bottled unfiltered.

AROMATICS blueberry, menthol, sage FLAVORS mint, currant, cocoa

Only 1200 bottles made in total.