Sans

Wine Profile

Production Notes

Varietal Composition: 87% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc

Winemaker Notes

The exceptional 2021 growing season produced an epic and elegantly full-bodied expression of Merlot from our famed Three Palms Vineyard, with alluring aromas of huckleberry, fig jam, cranberry, cocoa and rose petals. On the palate, flavors of blackberry, cherry, molasses and wet slate minerality are framed by a sumptuous structure and fine, graceful tannins.

Production

Despite an unusually dry winter and warm spring, budbreak was delayed due to light rain in March. The overall lack of rainfall led to light clusters and small berries, which resulted in reduced yields and great concentration. Harvest began on August 5th with Semillon, and early heat generated a fast and furious first few weeks of picking. A much-needed mid-September cool-down allowed for sugars to realign with flavor development. Moderate temperatures continued throughout the rest of the season, providing additional hangtime for the grapes. Our last red grapes were harvested before the rains in late October, resulting in beautiful wines that are dense, pure and polished.