The Kenwood Estate Vineyard, in the heart of the Sonoma Valley surrounds our winery. To make this select vineyard designate wine, we use the Merlot block that is located at the very top of our property. Here the rocky and dry soil has very low fertility. These growing conditions are difficult for the vines and lowers their yield, allowing them to produce exceptionally concentrated and flavorful fruit.
Harvested on September 22nd at 24.8 brix, the fruit was hand harvested and brought to the winery for crushing and destemming before fermenting on the skins. The young wine was then pressed into stainless steel tanks for several months of settling before being placed in small French oak barrels. After 19 months of aging, the best-tasting barrels were separated from the lot and assembled to be bottled as our limited release, Kenwood Estate Vineyard Merlot. Concentrated aromas of dark and red berries join with aromatic notes of nutmeg, and currant vanilla. Full-bodied, rich flavor with excellent balance and well-structured tannins give way to a long pleasant finish.
