2022 CHENIN BLANC – MERRILL VINEYARD
Aromas and flavors of apple, apricot, and nectarine.
Merrill Vineyard . Clarksburg AVA
Our 2022 Vintage of Chenin Blanc comes from the young Merrill Vineyard in the Clarksburg Appellation. A cold fermentation helped to ensure the beautiful aromatics were retained in this wine. Aromas of apple, apricot, and nectarine carry through the pallet. Six months of oak aging in neutral barrels adds complexity to this bright and fresh wine. Velvety in texture with a long finish our Chenin Blanc is easy to enjoy.
Awards & Accolades
| 92 Points, Gold | Sunset Intl. Wine Competition, 2023 |
Technical Details
| SOIL COMPOSITION | Silty and Mucky Clay Loam. Derivation mixed rock and decomposed plants. |
| VINEYARD PHILOSOPHY | Sustainable Viticulture |
| TRELLISING | T-Trellis with 16” foliage crossarm |
| CLONE | 04 |
| ACRES | 19.38 |
| LOCATION | 38°16’50.8”N, 121°30’31.5”W |
| HARVEST DATE | August 22, 2022 |
| BRIX AT HARVEST | 21.1° |
| AGING | 6 Months Neutral Oak |
| BOTTE DATE | January 30, 2023 |
| CASES PRODUCED | 1478 | 6 Packs |
| TA | 5.4 g/L |
| PH | 3.61 |
| RS | 6.3 g/L |
APPELLATION: Clarksburg
VINTAGE: 2022
ALCOHOL: 12%
VINEYARD NOTES
Bordering the Snodgrass Slough in the California Delta, our Merrill Vineyard is located in the Clarksburg Appellation. The 81.09 acres sits on Mucky Clay and Clay soil that retains water so we keep a close eye on irrigation to ensure a healthy, balanced vine.
PRODUCTION NOTES
From an earlier than average budbreak to widespread frost, the 2022 growing season was one of extremes. Late April frost brought significant damage to the Clarksburg appellation, while Lodi was largely spared. Windy spring days, contributed to loose clusters during fruit set, which is good for wine quality. Harvest began on August 1st and after the majority of our white varietals were off the vine, an intense heat wave settled into the San Joaquin Valley. Our teams harvested at night, carefully managing each vineyard with an eagle’s eye, ultimately finishing on October 25th with Petit Verdot. We’re proud to bring you the 2022 vintage that certainly did not come without it’s challenges, but is shaping up to be exceptional.
OTHER NOTES
CLARKSBURG AVA – Located on the Sacramento River in the heart of the Delta, the Clarksburg AVA has a profound maritime influence. Cool mornings give way to warm afternoons and temperatures quickly cool again in the evenings. With land at or below sea level, the fertile soil attracts and holds nutrients and water which calls for constant monitoring.
