Anthem's Estate Vineyard Merlot is only produced in select vintages, as fruit has been left on the vine from entire vineyard blocks, forgoing harvest completely, because the grapes though serviceable, did not develop to Anthem's top quality standards. This extracting focus on quality helps produce exceptional, high quality, mountain Merlot that best represents the Anthem estate vineyard, the Mt. Veeder growing region, and the vintage in which it was produced.
Growing Conditions
An idyllic growing season allowed the vineyard to showcase its true character and the distinctive qualities that make our wines so exquisite.
Harvest
Sept. 27, 2016
Winemaking
Unfined, unfiltered, whole berry, primary malo (wild yeast), 18 day bin ferment, zero day cold soak
Aging
18 months French oak, 17 months in bottle before release
Nose
sage and winter spice
Palate
On the palate, it tastes pure and complex, showing olive, dark chocolate, brisket, and loads of dusty black fruit, like ripe black cherries.