Benziger Merlot 2022 (750ml)

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Producer	Benziger
Country	United States
Region	California
Varietal	Merlot
Vintage	2022
Sku	00654
Size	750ml

  

This Merlot has flavors of red cherry, plum, blueberry, pepper and toast. Well integrated tannins give the wine a soft, textured mouthfeel and lingering finish.

The 2022 California winemaking vintage experienced a consistent and mild growing season, promoting healthy grapevine canopies. An unexpected heat spike of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Labor Day accelerated harvest in some blocks, leading to higher sugar levels, but relief came in September with rain, refreshing the vines and allowing for extended grape ripening, creating balance for flavor development. This Merlot was primarily sourced from our San Lucas Vineyard in Monterey County which helped elicit the ultimate expression of full fruit and velvety texture while maintaining varietal integrity. In the winery, we used a variety of techniques to maximize flavor intensity and retain bright fruit flavors while managing tannin levels, including cold soaking, pump over, and varying fermentation lengths and temperatures. The wine was aged in French and American oak for 6 months.