2012 Pedroncelli Merlot, Bench Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 750ml 6-Pack

Our Merlot presents a bouquet of blackberry, red plum and hints of vanilla. Bright red fruit flavors are showcased along with black pepper notes and, in the background, some sage and toasty oak. Medium bodied with ripe tannins follow through to a lush, almost velvety finish.

Bench Vineyards: The source for our Bench Vineyards Merlot comes from selected blocks off of our vineyard located along Dry Creek Road as well as one other grower a short distance from ours. Bench Vineyards, the name chosen for this wine, describes the natural terraces that flank Dry Creek Valley and rise gradually into the steep hills. Characterized by sloped topography and gravelly/rocky residual soils, the unique growing conditions combine to bring out the best in our Merlot.

Winemaker Notes: Grapes were harvested the second week of September following a great growing season with moderate temperatures. The fruit showed intense color, riper tannins and the right amount of natural acidity from ripening evenly over the course of the summer. The grapes were crushed into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Daily pumpovers during the fermentation gives a substantial increase in flavor and color. The young wine was transferred to small American oak barrels to age for 12 months in order to develop smoothness and complexity giving it a subtle backbone of oak components.