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Textbook, Merlot 2019

Regular price
$30.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$30.00 USD

Region: Napa Valley, California

Varietal: 98% Merlot, 2% Malbec

Tasting Notes: Intense aromas of ripe plum, mocha and allspice marry with a generous mid-palate of rich flavors of black stone fruits and a balanced finish with full, extracted, almost sweet tannins.

Producer: Textbook Winery, founded by Jonathan and Susan Pey in Napa Valley, has established a reputation for crafting classic, terroir-driven wines with an Old World sensibility. The winery's name, "Textbook," speaks to their commitment to producing wines that exemplify textbook characteristics of Napa Valley varietals, particularly those of Bordeaux origin like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Focusing on small-lot production, Textbook sources grapes from top sites across Napa’s Oak Knoll, Rutherford, and other premier sub-regions, aiming to bring forth purity, structure, and a sense of place in each bottle. Their wines reflect a dedication to showcasing Napa Valley’s terroir with a restrained elegance that stands out among the more robust styles typical of the region.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The 2019 Merlot draws from two meticulously farmed vineyard blocks within the renowned Napa Valley AVA. Each site brings distinct characteristics that enhance the wine’s complexity: the Oak Knoll lot contributes backbone, red fruit, and tannic structure, while the Yountville district lot imparts color and fine-grained tannins. These blocks, set on both gravelly and loamy soils, benefit from sustainable farming practices, and following veraison, hand-culling was employed to remove unevenly ripened clusters. This methodical approach reduced yields to about six pounds per vine, ensuring concentrated flavors. Traditional fermentation and French oak aging further reflect Textbook’s dedication to creating an elegant, terroir-driven Napa Valley Merlot.