
2018 Firestone Vineyard The Chairman Series Merlot, Santa Ynez Valley
Our Santa Ynez Valley Merlot has captivating aromas of roasted plum, boysenberry, cocoa and a hint of vanilla. The palate expresses lush tannins and mouthwatering fruit, toasty oak and balanced acidity.
Winemaker Notes
For this 2018 Merlot, we selected Clone 4 from a vineyard block reserved especially for our Chairman's Series wine. Aromas of roasted spiced plum pie, hints of cocoa, vanilla and toasty oak waft from the glass. On the palate, rich flavors mimicking the bouquet are layered beautifully with mouth-watering acidity and lush tannins through the long finish.
Food Pairing Notes
We recommend pairing this wine with New York steak, filet mignon, short ribs or venison.
Composition
100% Merlot, Clone 4
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Santa Ynez Valley
Acid
6.3 g/L
pH
3.65
Aging
22 Months in French Oak, 50% New
Alcohol %
14.2
Production Notes
The 2018 vintage began with an early bud break followed by an extremely mild spring and summer season, perfect conditions for longer hang time and more intense flavor development. Our Merlot was harvested on October 15th in cool temperatures to ensure cold fruit at pressing.
Vineyard Notes
The grapes for this wine come from our best Merlot vineyard blocks on our estate in Santa Ynez Valley. Situated at 1,000-foot elevation on a plateau, this vineyard is comprised of gravely, sandy loam soil from sedimentary oceanic rocks containing limestone and shale, ideal soil for growing our Merlot because of its permeable qualities. During the growing season, the fog sits right on top of our vineyards, creating desirable, cool foggy morning weather, with diurnal temperature swings of 50 degrees.
Production
450 Cases Produced