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2021 Stags' Leap Block 20 Estate Grown Stags Leap District Merlot
$56.00
Bottle
The Price was
$80.00
The discounted Price
$56.00
$576.00
Case
(12)
The Price was
$960.00
The discounted Price
$576.00
Member Pricing
Tasting Notes
At first glance this wine reveals a deep dark color with ruby edges. With an earthy sense reminiscent of a fresh forest after rain alongside herbal notes and fern-like nuances. Lush and velvety on the palate, it unfolds with dense black cherries and an abundance of roundness. The finish introduces a toasty oak taste, similar to tobacco, with softer secondary notes of sweet myrtle berries. The core is bright with a subtle fruity tannic finish and a long line of refreshing acidity, certain to age for many years to come.Technical Information
| Varietal | Merlot |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Appellation | Stags Leap District |
| Blend | 94% Merlot, 5% Petit Sirah, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Oak Treatment | 48% New French Oak Barrel for 18 months |
| Alcohol % | 14.8% |
Winemaking
To demonstrate the authentic fruit expression of this unique Merlot block, our winemakers use traditional winemaking techniques with a minimal-intervention approach. The grapes from this singular lot are handpicked and undergo a three-week maceration period designed to extract flavor, color, and tannin from the skins. This Merlot is aged in oak barrels for 18 months, with a mix of 48% new French oak barrels and 52% of older seasoned oak barrels.Vintage
The 2021 season was joyous and welcomed after the challenges of previous vintages, producing exceptionally high-quality fruit, some of the best in recent years. Rain early in the year led to almost no notable precipitation for the rest of the season, providing an ideal environment for grapes to flower, bloom, and set in early spring, with budbreak early in April, followed by flowering and bloom in May. The summer saw early and even ripening throughout the valley, with veraison appearing in early July. Low yields (in part due to drought conditions), created fruit that is intensely flavored and smaller in berry size. One of the earliest starts, harvest began with white wine grapes coming in towards late July, while red wine grapes arrived about a month later, at the end of August. With optimal ripening and taste, our winemakers took their time bringing grapes in, crafting wines of fantastic character, with amazing color extraction, aromatic intensity, tremendous balance, and structure, that are equally lush and fruity. A tremendous year to taste the nuances and terroir distinction from around the valley.Vineyard
This 2021 vintage marks the thirteenth release of our Block 20 Estate Grown Merlot, which originated from its namesake, block number 20, located within our estate vineyard. This singular stretch of land sits in the middle of the property where heat exposure is moderate and soil conditions are rich. The resulting crop is very low and perfectly balanced, making this unique production a small lot of wine that offers remarkable depth and concentration.