Merlot
Blend: 100% Merlot
Vineyard & AVA: Willow Creek District, Paso Robles
Alcohol: 14.8%
Aging: Drink now, or lay down 10-15 years.
THE SONG
Similar to the way El Rey inspired my childhood and my fathers influence, I hope “Humble & Kind '' by Tim McGraw inspires my son and my influence on him. Through dedication, hard work and innumerable blessings that fate has given me, my son Evan is growing up with options and comforts that I never had when I was his age. It is my deepest hope that he remains humble and kind throughout his life, wherever it may lead him.
Vintage Notes
The 2018 reminds me a lot of the 2016 when warm weather in April kick-started the season on the early side, followed by a moderate July and very cool August. Typical of our autumn weather, a gentle, late heat spell brought the vintage home.
There was nary a day over 100F from veraison (the change of color of the grapes during ripening on the vine) through harvest, my favorite kind of season. Even more important than daytime highs, nighttime lows were downright cold all summer, preserving good natural acidity.
Vinification
100% destemmed, fermented on native yeast, on skin for 14-18 days. Aged for 22 months in 265L French oak barriques, 100% new.
Tasting Notes
Merlot is a grape that shows great humility. It has structure, yet it expresses softness. It has complexity, but it doesn’t need any accolades. Wines produced from it are some of the most expensive and beautiful wines ever made, but it doesn’t want to be noticed or bragged about.
Even after a popular movie disparaged it and wine consumers all but abandoned it, it always showed grace and finesse in the winery. As a grape, it is humble and kind.
$85