Trentadue La Storia Merlot

Another spectacular harvest down memory lane. If I have to describe the 2012 harvest with one word, intense is what it comes to mind! The last similar vintage was 1997 when everything ripened at the same time and there was a lot of it! Following the low yielding 2011, this harvest was expectedly larger and one of the largest in the history of Trentadue as far as total grapes made to wine. The quality of all varieties is outstanding! We harvested the 2012 Merlot Block 500 grapes at the end of September. The average sugar at harvest was 25 Brix - ideal for making high quality, age worthy wines. The fermentation was completed in four separate tanks with three different yeast clones. Post fermentation, the wine was aged on the grape skins for a total of 21 days. Post pressing, the wine was racked twice and pumped into 38% new, mostly French and other European oak barrels. The balance was placed into older mixed barrels. Our 2012 La Storia Merlot is a fine example of the ability of this classic Bordeaux variety to make a solid, tasty and age worthy wine. The main aromas and flavors are of dark cherry, plum, black licorice and herbs. The new oak contributes a touch of vanilla, brown sugar, cocoa dust and toast. On the mouth, the wine is almost heavy, with balanced tannins and acidity for such a young wine. This wine will age well and will reward your patience is stored well in the next 3-6 years.