Palate
Blue & black fruit exudes from this Merlot with an incredible minerality with discernable shale notes. Bright and powerful yet at the same time delicate with a hint of the floral aromatic well known to Veeder aficionados.
Growing Conditions
The Mt. Brave Vineyard, once the Chateau Potelle Vineyard, was established decades ago at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 feet. While Mt. Veeder is cool, Mt. Brave sits above the fog line, with morning sun warming the grapes each day. Soils are a sparse, gravelly loam. Nutrients and minerals are scant, resulting in tiny berries with concentrated and complex flavors. At harvest, small lug boxes must be carefully moved up and down the steep slopes to protect both vines and vineyard workers.
Harvest
Hand-harvested in cool morning hours.
Winemaking
In-barrel malolactic fermentation using native strains. Barrel-to-tank racking for natural clarity.
Aging
Aging in French oak barrels 20 months (90% new oak).
