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2022 Merlot

  • Notes

    Eye
    Deep, concentrated, clear garnet core, soft ruby rim.

    Nose
    Citrusy herbal (think fresh orange zest) and subtle woodsy notes, warm blackberry and allspice, hints of creamy vanilla.

    Palate
    Full-bodied, smooth and balanced texture, medium-fine tannins. Structured yet plush with dense ripe fruit. Vibrant acidity is well-integrated for persistent a mouthfeel trailed by a lingering creamy vanilla finish.

    Cellar life
    Drink now through 2036.

  • Background

    Merlot entered our Brown Estate wine lineup as a one-off for the 2018 vintage when we had surplus fruit on hand from our 2018 Chaos Theory production for which it originally was sourced. For 2019, Chaos Theory left no Merlot behind… and thereafter we entered the maelstrom production cycle of 2020 which ultimately led to a Lot 2 bottling of 2019 Chaos Theory (different varietals, no Merlot) + a commemorative bottling of 2020 Chaos Theory (also no Merlot) as homage to our resilience in the face of tremendous challenges during that most chaotic year. Merlot resurfaced for 2021 from a new grower, once again sourced for Chaos Theory — however when we began tasting it from barrel, this Merlot demanded a standalone bottling, to which it was dedicated entirely. The present 2022 vintage, our first consecutive bottling, establishes Merlot as a now regular entry in our Brown Estate lineup. This is vintage no. 3.

  • Tech
    • Composition
      100% Merlot
    • Vineyard Source
      Madrigal Vineyards
    • Appellation
      Napa Valley
    • Barrel aging
      8 months in 30% new French oak
    • Alcohol by vol.
      14.8%