2020 Stouck Merlot

Winemaker's Notes:

Sumptuous fruity aromas offer cherry compote, blackberry, and plum, complemented by roasted coffee bean, cocoa and cinnamon notes. A taste finds this brawny and resolute, layered with the strapping acidity that is signature of this remarkable vintage. Persisting dark fruitcake, and mocha flavours with highlights of toffee and rhubarb, mingle for an enduring finish.

Picked at the Stouck Family Vineyard on October 16th as grape sugars averaged 24.8° Brix.

Primary and malo-lactic fermentation were accomplished in 2nd-to-4th-fill American and French oak barrels, where the wine rested for nine months.  After consolidation, the wine
aged first for a month in new American oak, then an additional five months in older barrels before 97 cases were bottled in March 2022.

Enjoy now through 2032 and beyond; this wine is built to age.

Alcohol: 13%; Residual Sugar: 1 gram per Litre; Titratable Acidity: 5.8 grams per litre pH: 3.5

Dry: 1 g residual sugar

Food Companions:
Near 15 ° C with Mushroom Wellington, braised short ribs, Tikka Masala.

Vegan friendly.