Sbragia Merlot Home Ranch

Description

VINEYARD Our Home Ranch Vineyard, which my family has farmed for decades, surroundsthe family home at the southern end of Dry Creek Valley. The eight – acre Merlotvineyard sits on aflatland of Dry Creek Valley, an area that had a propensity tofloodbeforetheDryCreekDamwas built.Asaresult,thesoilfeaturesrockyclayloamcomponentswhichcontributetogreat vines that consistently produce richly concentrated Merlot grapes.VINTAGE Rainfall returned after three dry years, pushing bud break, flowering and fruit – setback by at least two weeksat the front end of the growing season. Fortunately,the cloud cover meant there was no frost damage in 20 10. The summer broughtcoolerthan normal temperatures, and this coupled with unexpected heat spikesin late summer resulted in a late and shortened harvest with lower yields. CoolerthanaveragetemperaturesretunedagaininearlySeptember, givingwayto awarmandconsistentIndiansummer- justtheticket,bringinggoodflavorand color development to grapes across the board.WINEMAKING The Home Ranch Merlotis made the way my Dad taught me keepthe barrelsclean and topped, and the wine will take care of itself. This minimalist approachis particularly well – suited to the rustic quality of Merlot from Dry Creek Valley.The wine aged for 18 months in partially new/partially seasoned French Nevers oakbarrelstoimpartbrownspice aromasandflavorsandsuppletannins.Weblended a small amount of Cabernet Franc for added aromatics and structure.WINEMAKER NOTES Warm,lushflavorsofcherryliqueurarepunctuatedwithnotesofbrightredcurrantand rhubarbinour2010HomeRanchMerlot.Thewinehasarich mouth-feelwithoutbeing ponderous,withnotesofdarkchocolate,vanillaandcinnamon spice and an intriguing note of pink peppercorn. The tannins are softand supple and the wine carries a long, smooth finish. – Sbragia Family