2019 Merlot Reserve
Winemaker Notes:
A luscious Merlot filled with concentrated fruits of
raspberry, strawberry, black cherry, blackberry and pomegranate. The fruits give way to a lovely floral and
mineral nuance along with a touch of graphite, vanilla and cocoa. The oak is very well integrated with the
fruit and allows for a full long mouth feel.
The tannins are smooth and inviting; ultimately adding to the overall
balance of the wine, which is wonderfully fruit forward. I believe this to be the best Merlot produced
at the Williamsburg Winery to date.
Vintage:
Starting with a mild winter we rolled into an early spring. In late March we started seeing temps in the
70’s with just a few cooler days to follow.
The spring conditions led to excellent fruit set and ultimately a
bountiful crop. The summer, for Virginia,
was very mild with only a few days of hot humid conditions. The Autumn was particularly dry with warm
days and cool nights. From mid-September to early October we experienced very little
rain which is invaluable for maturing grapes. I believe the 2019 vintage to be the best I
have experienced in Virginia for my tenure here.
Blend
100% Merlot
Harvest
The Mt. Juliet Merlot was picked on 11 Sep at 22.8 Brix, 5.02g/L
TA and 3.90 pH. The Bent Mtn.
Vineyard Source:
Mt. Juliet Vineyard, Crozet, VA
Fermentation
The Mt. Juliet Merlot was fermented in stainless steel for 8
days using Ferm MT48 Yeast.
Aging
The wine was aged 5 % new French oak, 20% 1 year French oak,
25% 2 year French oak and 50% Neutral French Oak.
Bottling Date
13 May 2022 – 493 cases
Release Date
May 2022
Technical
Information
13.12% Alc.
3.57 pH
6.66g/L TA
0.38 RS (dry)
