THE C.R. SANDIDGE WINES
2021 Merlot
The 2021 vintage, a growing season which was almost ideal. A mild – warm spring to start things off. It then turned warm followed by unprecedented 100 – 115 degree weather for six solid weeks. When we felt “was this ever going to end”, weather returned to a “normal” September – October pattern. That cooling of temperatures by 20 to 30 degrees is what saved the vintage. As one might expect, all fruit was fully ripened at harvest.
The harvest for this fine red wine blend came from a single vineyard site. Small berries packed with dark purple color, black fruit and red berry flavors and aromas provided the generous backbone of this fine wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes were harvested from the Wahluke Slope “Stone Tree” vineyard.
Merlot is and has been one of Washington State’s finest red grape varieties going on 60 years. I have visited several Chateaux in the Haute Medoc region of Bordeaux. The most prestigious being Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Having spoken with their cellar Masters and Winemakers and tasted their Merlot wines both bottled and in barrel, I can safely say our Washington State Merlot is their equal if not on average better vintage to vintage. Our weather is more agreeable on the whole.
- Harvest: All fruit was hand-picked, sorted and destemmed – crushed into one ton fermentation bins.
- Fermentation: A yeast developed in northern France was utilized for the primary fermentation. The various musts were fermented for 12 days on the skins prior to pressing.
- Malo-lactic conversion: Malo – lactic conversion was fully completed while the wine was in barrels utilizing the native bacteria.
- All wines were aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. The French oak forest we sourced was “Center of France”.
- Filtration Level: Very tight at bottling.
Our 2021 Merlot represents a very small bottling. It is very elegant with substantial medium – plus body. The French oak barrel favors and aromas are sweet vanilla bean – roasted coffee bean. Ripe Lapin cherry, some black currants plus generous rose petal and dried herbal notes complete the flavor and aroma profile. The acidity and tannins are moderate and present a softer yet firm wine. This is a superb food wine. Some recommended food pairings would be with grilled salmon seasoned with the herbs of Provence, a plate of mixed – sautéed mushrooms (served with fresh – chewy artisan bread) or your favorite cut of beefsteak. Our family thanks you for your friendship and support. Enjoy!!
Wine Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Percentage: | 14.7% |
| pH: | 3.58 |
| Acidity: | 5.3g/liter |
| Residual Sugar: | 1g/liter |
| AVA: |
Columbia Valley |
Non-Member Pricing
Bottle Price: $35.00
Case Discount: 15%
Club Member Pricing
Bottle Price: $28.00
Case Discount: 30%