Palate
Our Taylor Peak Merlot is rich and round, with ripe plum, cooked cherries and chocolate flavors. Medium-bodied with a lingering finish. Taylor Peak resides in the Bennett Valley AVA, one of the smallest Sonoma County appellations. This Merlot is on the edge, literally. The Taylor Peak vineyard runs right up to the edge of a southwest facing hillside which serves as a dramatic backdrop and offers growing conditions that are on the fringe. This fringe vineyard site, along with the coastal fog influence courtesy of the Petaluma gap, gives the Merlot an abundance of character.
Growing Conditions
Elevation: 700 - 900 feet
Soil: Mix of rocky volcanic, metamorphic and sedimentary rock with dark brown to brown clay loams.
Climate: Exceptionally cool for Merlot. Long hangtime due to fog from the Petaluma Gap, results in increased flavor, color and rounder tannins.
Aging
Aged 20 months in 91% French oak barrels, 84% new.
