2021 Winemaker Series Merlot Lot 1

ABOUT WINEMAKERS SERIES

Crafted especially for our wine club members, the Winemaker Series allows us to select interesting lots and create unique blends. This is like taking a walk through the vineyard, experiencing the unique characteristics that define Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' world-class vineyards. These wines offer a great juxtaposition to our classic Stag's Leap Wine Cellars offerings. 

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING

This wine is 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Petit Verdot, and 1.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot is from the Arcadia Vineyard in Coombsville. Located in the southeastern part of Napa Valley, Coombsville benefits from a cooler microclimate compared to other sub-appellations. It is influenced by its proximity to San Pablo Bay and the nearby hills, which help to moderate temperatures. Coombsville is known for producing Bordeaux varietals like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were harvested on September 24. After fermentation, the wine was aged 21 months in 100% new French oak. The wine was bottled without filtration to retain the purity of the wine. 

VINTAGE

The 2021 growing season will be remembered for being the second consecutive year of very dry conditions during winter and spring coupled with challenging weather during bloom. This resulted in reduced yields and variability in cluster size. A near perfect summer of classic Napa Valley weather: moderate temperatures during the day and cool sea breezes in the afternoon and evening, resulted in balanced structure. Early September saw a mini heat wave that pushed ripeness along, then a return to beautiful weather for the remainder of harvest. The 2021 vintage is one of the highest quality we’ve seen in the last decade. 

TASTING NOTES

This Merlot has an inviting nose of jasmine, boysenberries, coffee, brown sugar, and cedar aromas. Medium-bodied, it has a round mid-palate with a smooth, creamy texture, silky, polished tannins, and persistent fruit flavors on the finish.