92 Points, Best of Class - 2015 California State Fair
Discussions about the top wines of California are usually centered around Napa Valley, with perhaps some time spent on Sonoma or Santa Barbara. However, grapes are grown all over the state, and sometimes lesser known regions can really shine. One of the most obscure vineyard areas must the Hyampon Valley, in Trinity County (Population: 13,448) a good two to three hours north of Sonoma and Napa. Here the R Merlo Estate vineyard sits on 45 acres nestled between majestic redwood-covered coastal mountains that reach as high as 8,000 feet above sea level. With a climate and growing season completely different from that found in the rest of California, this is truly a unique wine, and a must try.
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.
The 2012 Merlo Family Estate Zinfandel is deep ruby in color, with aromas of vanilla (from the use of American oak), berry, ripe plum, blackberry, and blueberry. The palate echoes the enticing blue fruits from the palate, with juicy berry flavors joined by notes of fig and baking spice. Exotic tropical fruit and a mild floral note linger on the finish. With good acidity for Zinfandel, this wine is ideal for serving with a slight chill in the waning days of summer, or decanted and served with roasted meats as the weather cools.
Aging: American Oak for 12 months
Acid/pH: .59 / 3.6
Alcohol Content: 14.2%
Release: March 2014
Production: 750 Cases
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
91 Points
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
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