We’ve made Merlot for a few years to blend into our Cabs and Cabs Francs. But as we were hand sorting the grapes in 2021, we knew had some very special fruit on our hands that was worthy of its own bottling. Winemaker Greg stopped the conveyor belt on the sorting table that morning and decided that we’d leave about 20% of the tonnage whole cluster and destem the remaining.
The result is our 2021 Mount Veeder Merlot, a stunning wine that has changed some people’s minds about Merlot…which makes us very happy. The fruit comes from the Saffron Vineyard high up on the mountain. We blended in 5% each of Cab Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon to add complexity and enhance the smooth finish.
The nose is truly delightful with purple flowers, dark chocolate covered blueberries, and a touch of worn leather and cedar. The flavors layer bright blue fruits with fresh oak and mild tannins.
Don’t let yourself get turned Sideways by a movie, it’s time to try and enjoy Merlot again. We made 52 cases, and this wine was awarded 95 points from Wine Enthusiast and 95 points from the American Fine Wine Competition.
Rounding out our Fall 2023 release
Conn Valley Cab Franc returns. With low yields in 2021, we made just 51 cases. A club and tasting room favorite, this is the quintessential Cab Franc marked by Greg’s signature style of elegance and balance. Dark fruits and spicy, earthy aromas jump from the glass followed by the flavors we love from the Shea Foster Vineyard. It’s exceptionally smooth with rich and complex fruit flavors, a hint of graham cracker, subtle oak and minerality, and a very long memorable finish. [Update: This is wine is sold out.]
Our Fall release was capped by the delightful 2022 Russian River Sauvignon Blanc coming from a very cold-climate vineyard on Eastside Road in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. The cool growing conditions help it retain bright acidity with layers of refreshing citrus notes and honeydew, and a bright, long finish. This is not at all a grassy-style Sauvignon Blanc. It drinks light and easy; perfect for a warm day or with aperitives. We made 88 cases.
For questions about our wines and tastings, please email us at: info@majusculewine.com
