2021 Merlot
2021 Merlot
This Merlot is treated in a rather modest and straightforward way. It is 100% destemmed, whole berries (often when working with Quaker Run Merlot, we have a tendency to use whole cluster inclusion), with a cooler fermentation and aged in neutral barrel. It is such a fun wine to try in contrast to, say Eluvium, as it is Merlot from the same vineyard, site and blocks, but picked at a with a completely different goal in mind.
This wine leads with fresh red berries, citrus and plum, followed by savoury herbs, clove, and a notable forest floor attribute (which are quintessentially Quaker Run). It is lighter bodied with lower tannin, using the bright acidity to carry the mouthfeel.
In Stock
Composition / Blend
98% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
Size
750mL
Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Merlot
Vineyard Designation
Quaker Run Vineyard
Bottling Date
February 24, 2023
Alcohol %
12.9
Winemaker Notes
This wine came about rather by accident. 2021 was a generous and very ripe vintage; we thought it would be interesting to make a small, early, pick of Quaker Run Merlot, in contrast to the more extractive wines Quaker Run Merlot typically contributes to, such as Rise and Eluvium. We looked to both lighten the overall crop, to achieve the best ripening for the remaining Merlot, as well as wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to experience this site’s Merlot in a fresher style.
Vineyard Notes
In the lively spirit of Virginia, 2021 was an exciting vintage for Early Mountain. It very much reflects the impact of site, with regions throughout the state experiencing highly varying climatic events, greatly influencing the dynamic range in fruit attributes.
Early spring, we gratefully saw few frost events, escaping significant fruit damage. Despite some early season rains, bloom-time in the vineyard was quite dry, allowing for a good fruit set. With warm daytime temperatures throughout most of the growing season, we saw high and even ripening throughout both Quaker Run and Early Mountain vineyards. The late season rains, leading to harvest were also accompanied by notable drying (this was doubly obvious when tending to our new plantings, which need water!). Overall, despite harvest-time rainfall, we could not have asked for a better result.