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TASTING NOTES

The 2023 Merlot opens with a medium ruby hue and a deep, expressive nose of blackberry, black cherry, and dark plum, accented by hints of leather, fresh violets, and warm cedar spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied yet full-flavored, offering rich layers of ripe black fruit supported by notes of black pepper and oak-driven complexity. The tannins are medium-plus and grippy, adding structure and framing the wine’s long, confident finish. A refined cool-climate Merlot that balances depth, spice, and elegance with age-worthy potential.

VINEYARD NOTES

Majority of the fruit comes from Seneca Lake vineyards. The Banana Belt is a portion of land on the east side of Seneca Lake that receives the greatest amount of sun coupled with a location that is nearest the deepest parts of Seneca Lake, thereby having a greater impact on temperature. The increased temperatures ripening red varieties very well. We blend 40% of fruit from Keuka Lake. Vineyards here are shallow, shale-based soils which adds minerality, acidity, and elegance.

WINEMAKER NOTES

The growing season of 2023 presented many opportunities and challenges. The winter was mild, with low cold stress on the vines. This led to an uncharacteristically warm spring, causing the vines to begin budburst early. In mid-May, the entire region experienced a freeze event that only happens once in a century. The freeze caused a loss of 10%-50% of buds, depending on location and grape variety. The reduction in buds per vine led to a concentration of the resulting grapes, which were of high quality. The ripening and harvest period from August to October followed the typical pattern for the Finger Lakes region, with warm days, cool nights, and occasional rainfall.

VARIETY

100% Merlot.

VINIFICATION

De-stemmed. Several Day Cold Soak.

VESSEL

Open-Top Steel Tanks.

FERMENTATION

Traditional. Twice Daily Punchdowns and Pumpovers.

ÉLEVAGE

16 Months Aging. French Oak. 20% New.

ACCOLADES