Merlo Family
2021 Zinfandel
, Estate Vineyard
North Coast
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Deep ruby in color, with aromas of raspberry, black cherry, blackberry, and ripe plum. Velvety and rich, the palate echoes its layers of fruit and combine with white pepper notes that lead to a smooth and gentle mouthfeel joined by notes of fig and baking spice that linger nicely. This Zinfandel brings an amazingly long finish that is sure to please!
Its spicy undertones and superb freshness will allow it to age beautifully for many years to come. Enjoy with your favorite BBQ, grilled meats, rack of lamb and more.
Vintage
2021 was a wonderful growing season to experience. The growing season, a full three to four weeks later than that of Napa or Sonoma, allows for a much slower ripening, increasing hang time and creating full concentrated flavors without over – ripening or depleting natural acids. A warm Summer followed by a mild September temperature allowed the fruit to ripen evenly while keeping its fine acidity.
Winemaking
Fermentation was conducted in a single open-top fermenter using only native yeast and no adjuncts. Aged for 18 months in French and American oak the wine was then bottled with a lighter filtration pad.
Varietal: 100% Zinfandel
Winemaker: David Georges. Ray Merlo
Aging: French/American Oak, 18 months
pH: 3.56
TA: 5.6 g/l
Alcohol Content: 14.5%
Tasting Notes 
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Nestled in far Northern California’s Hyampom Valley, far away from the tourists in Napa Valley, Merlo Family Estate is quietly making some of the most unique wines in California. The climate of the valley allows them to produce deeply flavored red wines that are beautifully balanced, and also very well priced given the difficulty of farming this land.
This wholly unique setting helps create wines that speak to the power and beauty that is Hyampom Valley. Influenced by the idyllic growing season and climate of this small pocket valley, the fruit produced in the Merlo Family Vineyards expresses a strong sense of place. Based on the concept that quality wine is grown in the vineyard, a minimalist approach is taken in the cellar, allowing the wines to clearly reflect the varietal character and distinct terroir of Hyampom Valley.
Merlo Estate Vineyards produces a rare collection of richly flavored and expressive wines. Unlike many California wines, these deep, complex wines are not high in alcohol, nor overripe in flavors. Rather, the wines are naturally big and bold, yet refined and beautiful.
Learn more at www.merlovineyards.com.
