Variety
100% Merlot

Geographical Indication
Shenandoah Valley

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

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 June 2025

Analysis
Alcohol 12.7%
Sugar 0.%
pH 3.7
Acid 5.8

Nose: Bright fruit notes, hints of vanilla, flowers and oak

Palate: dark cherry and underlying berry notes , dark chocolate toasted vanilla and oak

Cellaring 1-3 years

Food and wine pairing
Chocolate (bitter) - Rosemary lamb, mushroom risotto