Variety
Merlot

Geographical Indication
Shenandoah Valley

Winemakers and Vineyards
Winemaker – Jessi Gatewood,
Vineyards - Barren Ridge Vineyards

Vintage Overview
2022 was an average vintage, warm , but not overly hot. Rain events arrived early in fall, causing the growing season to be shortened and the fruit reached a lighter ripening than previous vintages. This led to lighter , leaner more subtle whites and reds

Winemaking
Grapes were de-stemmed with minimal crushing of berries. When the fermentation started, the juice was pumped over twice daily to maximize extraction and tannin structure. The maceration was around 2 weeks long, then the free run was racked in barrels and the wine from the skins was gently pressed to stainless steel tank and then transferred to barrels. Once the malolactic fermentation was completed, the wine
was racked from lees and aged for 9 months in new and seasoned oak to increase complexity and maintain fruity character. We used French oak of medium toast levels and tight grain selection, which gave a more refined finish to the wines. Barrel evaluation and racking occurred in the spring to define the blend. Bottled in July 2023.

Analysis
Alcohol 12.7%
Sugar 0.1%
pH 3.75
Acid 5.7

Nose: Dark raisined fruit, caramel notes, and toasted vanilla and oak,

Palate: berry cobbler, hints of forest floor with subtle underlying toasted oak.